Established October 1895 Geriatric Hospital patient tests positive for COVID-19 PAGE 3

Friday January 29, 2021 $2 VAT Inclusive DO THE RIGHT THING! THE Sanitation Service Authority tresses and demolition material found (SSA) has once again embarked on a SSA official calls for an end to illegal dumping by the clean-up crew. clean-up effort and has renewed “We saw clear evidence of mosquito calls to stop illegal dumping in referred to as the Barrack building, but Noting that the area connects neigh- breeding and what also concerned us was Barbados. which SSA public relations officer Carl bouring communities to the Warrens that persons would traverse this area as On Wednesday morning, a team from “Alff” Padmore explained was the spot on area, Padmore lamented that the track of they made their way to and from work.” the SSA debushed and cleared behind which the old Rocklyn bus company was land became a site for illegal dumping, ILLEGAL DUMPING the Warrens Office Complex, commonly once stationed. with several old, large appliances, mat- on Page 4

The SSA was busy clearing the overgrown bush which was turned into an illegal dumpsite in the area used as a shortcut and exercise path by many traversing the Warrens town centre from neighbouring districts. INSET: SSA public relations officer, Carl ‘Alff’ Padmore.

Barbadians told: Shop for more nutritious foods ahead of lockdown AS Barbadians conduct their shopping pecially if they believe they're going to be probably have to walk down the house with something more nutritious, as the nation prepares to go on pause for home and may be not as active as they hallway to the lunch room,” she rather than the unhealthy options, be- the next two weeks, they are being ad- usually are. However, it starts really by explained. cause that is where the weight is going vised to add nutritious products and pro- what you're going to bring in the house. “So stock your fridge, stock your pantry to come,” Whittaker maintained. duce to their shopping carts, to avoid the So maybe we have got to start by mak- with more healthier food choices. Keep a “In addition, we're going to be seden- “COVID-19 pounds” they complained ing our shopping list more nutritious bowl of fruit on the table rather than ice- tary. So make it a point to get up…from about gaining last year following the and choosing to buy things that are more cream and chocolates and salty things, that desk, get off the bed, get off that first lockdown period. healthy…You can buy fresh fruits; you because obviously, if you have those in chair, walk around, even if it's Community Nutrition Officer, Stacia can buy your nuts and seeds and have the house, then those are the things that inside the house or outside the house. Do Whittaker, who serves as Manager of them on hand; you can buy your pop- you will want to fill up on.And just make some jumping jacks, make it fun,” she the HIV Food Bank, noted that eating corn, where you pop it yourself and them attractive and appealing that you further advised. healthier starts with having a shopping therefore you don't have to add much will want to fill up on them. Have your The nutritionist also noted that this list filled with more nutritious items salt if anything, since you may have kids water and infuse it rather than your may be the time to try more nutritious to purchase when going to the super- in the house.Yes, you're going to be home syrups and drinks and sodas in the recipes and those with children can in- market. and you might be at your desk working, fridge. So it really comes to choosing to clude them in the exercise as well, so it “In general, you find people would but your refrigerator is right there. It is put some healthy things in that cart becomes a family affair. want to snack and buy a lot of items, es- not like when you are at work and you when you're shopping and stocking your (RSM) 2 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Central Bank Governor: 2021 will test country’s resilience LAST year was indeed diffi- said Haynes cult for Barbados but ac- The governor went on to cording to the Governor note that Barbados is a small, of the Central Bank of open economy which is being Barbados, 2021 will test the impacted by what is happen- resilience of the island. ing in sources markets, espe- Governor Cleviston Haynes cially key markets like the offered his thoughts about United Kingdom, Canada and 2021 during the 2020 Economic the United States. Review by the Bank on “They are being buffeted by Wednesday morning. the virus, they are taking He stated that there is an actions that are inconsistent atmosphere of constant disrup- with what we would want to tion and anxiety in the world grow our main sector. We today, thanks to COVID-19, have imported some of their Central Bank of Barbados Governor, Cleviston Haynes. which will continue to cause problems and so we now have uncertainty. to manage that aspect, and weather the storm. These difficult period. That will involve wearing our “My main concern is the level that uncertainty is what buffers include the BDS $2.7 The governor advised that masks, social distancing, etc,” of uncertainty because it grieves me most,” the governor billion of gross international going forward the island needs he said. makes planning difficult and lamented. reserves which the island has to be able to adapt quickly to Haynes contended that the everything is not within our that covers 40 weeks of im- take advantage of emerging op- character of Barbados and control. It is not where you can Weathering the storm ports. He also made the point portunities. Barbadians suggests that spend $100 000 here and say However, Haynes said that he that the situation is not only “Our first task however must any challenges faced in 2021 that this will simply address is encouraged by the existence about foreign exchange, but be to minimise the risk of would be met and faced head- this particular problem. We are of certain buffers, and believes providing support for people long-term damage by contain- on. not in that type of situation,” that Barbados should be able to and businesses through this ing the spread of the virus now. (AS) The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 3

Geriatric Hospital Care patient tests positive packages for needy for COVID-19 GOVERNMENT is seek- ing to create over 60 000 AN elderly patient at on the doctors, nurses and who will be transferred to care packages of basic the Geriatric Hospital ancillary staff, he said all the St. Lucy District food and essential items in Beckles Road has have been negative so far. Hospital, rest assured that to help the most vulner- tested positive for However, the necessary your relatives are still in able in this island COVID-19. PCR tests are now being good hands and will con- during the two-week Health Minister Lt. conducted on these indi- tinue to receive the quality lockdown. Colonel Jeffrey Bostic re- viduals who are to be of care that they are ac- Minister of Education vealed the worrying news quarantined – the staff at customed to,” he stated, and Leader of Govern- during yesterday’s Covid- a designated quarantine while insisting the min- ment Business Santia 19 update at Ilaro Court. hotel and the patients istry has done everything Bradshaw, who is lead- Currently, there is a no at the St. Lucy District possible to protect the ing a coalition with five visitation protocol in place Hospital. island’s vulnerable popu- other ministers on this at the St. Michael institu- “As soon as we got that lation. endeavour, outlined the tion and the minister information we sent the Moments earlier, Bostic logistics during yester- therefore noted the posi- Chief Medical Officer and gave an update on the day evening’s COVID-19 tive case had to be one two Senior Medical numbers, saying the is- update at Ilaro Court, in- where the virus was Officers of Health to the land had recorded 34 new cluding how these needy brought into the hospital, institution to be able to cases from the 363 tests individuals will be iden- and was being investi- speak to the Hospital conducted by the Public Health Minister Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Bostic has tified. gated through contact Manager, as well as the Health Laboratory on revealed that a patient at the Geriatric Hospital in “We have been through tracing. Consultant Gerontologist Wednesday. The positive Beckles Road has tested positive for COVID-19. this exercise before, and Revealing that Rapid to speak to the staff of the cases comprise of 18 I know that there are Antigen Tests have been hospital. We are on top of women and 16 men. Two cases, 28 persons are Majesty’s Prisons Dodds many persons who in ad- conducted on the other 16 this one because it is one of them were previously Barbadians, three non-na- remains at 361, consisting dition to the list that we patients within the ward ward,” he stated. sent to the Harrison Point tionals and one’s nation- of 102 staff members and may have from the where the positive patient “To all relatives of those Isolation Facility for as- ality is unknown. 259 males inmates. National Assistance was assigned, as well as at the hospital and those sessment. Of the 32 other The total number at Her (JMB) Board, from the Welfare Department and the Household Mitigation Unit, have crept into the class of being the most Gov’t providing cushion for shops, vendors vulnerable in this coun- try. So we are starting SMALL and micro busi- where there is a shut- the process of looking at nesses will be given a down across the world. It all of the databases that safety net for the period is no less severe a prob- are available to us, and the country goes back into lem in Barbados, and so all of those persons lockdown. therefore we have to be who access resources For two weeks, starting specifically sensitive through any of those February 3, financial as- to the small and micro mediums and depart- sistance in the amount of enterprises in this coun- ments, they will obvi- $750 a week will be given try.” ously be given first to shops which will be af- Minister Symmonds is priority,” she said. fected by the pause of therefore urging shop op- In addition, she out- business; whereas ven- erators and vendors, lined that all govern- dors will receive $250 a which also include small ment Members of Parlia- week. village shops, rum shops, ment, the Opposition This assistance will also food vendors, to reach Leader and the Presi- be extended to beauty sa- out immediately to the dent of the Democratic lons, barbers, nail techni- Ministry of Commerce Labour Party were asked cians, water sport and taxi at commerce.smallbusi to identify persons and operators. [email protected] to families in need. Word of this came from register their business. “We will be providing Minister of Energy,Small “I want to invite all shop them with assistance to Business and Entre- operators and all vendors be able to feed persons preneurship, Kerrie across the community of who may not come for- Symmonds, during the vendors, especially those ward, as politics has no COVID-19 update and people who operate food place in trying to feed press conference last stalls, food vans, to reach vulnerable households in night. out to us,” he insisted, this country,” she said, “The reality is that outlining that they must while urging people not small business and micro provide the name of the to abuse the system. businesses – the single op- business, type of business, In a bid to ensure erator, the entrepre- location and an account healthier foods are neur…these are the peo- number to deposit the Minister of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Kerrie Symmonds. consumed, Bradshaw ple upon whose shoulders funds. revealed that through the pain of the shutdown “We are going to put can begin the process of He therefore noted that to open because you need linkages with the financially falls the hard- ourselves in the position offering people some de- minimarts will open only to be able to give people Ministry of Agriculture est.And that is simply be- where we are able to sift gree of financial assis- in rural areas where there who come from districts and small farmers, fruits cause they simply do not through the types of busi- tance.” is no ease of access to where there is no ease of and vegetables would be have the financial where- nesses that are being rep- The Minister also re- supermarkets. access to a supermarket added to the basket of withal to cushion them for resented to us on the vealed that Cabinet au- “For example, in St. an opportunity to access goods. a long period when there email, and to be in a posi- thorised an adjustment to Joseph there are only the purchase of food,” he The packages are to be is no access to any clients tion then to forward that the closure of all busi- three mini marts but no said, adding they will op- distributed between the or any business,” he information to the nesses that sell groceries supermarket, and there- erate the same hours as February 9 and 12. stressed. Ministry of Finance so other than the supermar- fore in that set of circum- supermarkets from 8 a.m. (JMB) “That is a reality every- that early next week, we kets. stances they will be able to 3 p.m. 4 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

COVID-19 update: 34 new cases, 19 recoveries THIRTY-FOUR persons The 34 new cases identi- 361, consisting of 102 staff were diagnosed with fied comprise 18 women members and 259 male COVID-19 on Wednesday, and 16 men. Two of them inmates. January 27, from among are persons who were pre- To date, Barbados has the 363 tests conducted by viously sent to the Harri- recorded 1,477 confirmed the Best-dos Santos Public son Point Isolation Facility cases – 598 females, 879 Health Laboratory. for assessment. Of the 32 males – and 1,098 persons Nineteen persons have other cases, 28 persons are have recovered. Eleven been reported as recov- Barbadians, three are persons have died from ered, and are therefore to non-nationals, and one’s the viral illness. be released from isolation. nationality is unknown. The public health labo- This would bring the num- The total number of ratory has completed ber of active cases to cases at Her Majesty’s 101 253 tests since 368. Prisons Dodds remains at February 2020. Barbados’ COVID-19 Situation Report for January 27, 2021. New laws coming to tackle illegal dumping ILLEGAL DUMPING Minister and we cleaned legislation will be coming legally it can block water- garbage is removed in a that we mean ensure that from Page 1 in those areas.” to deal with those who are courses, it can become timely manner.“Of course your waste is bagged He said Minister of dumping illegally.We are breeding grounds for we will respect all proto- properly; that you sani- “We also made some in- Environment and going after the illegal mosquitoes and we have cols laid out by the gov- tise your bins before and vestigations and discov- National Beautification dumpers because we cases of dengue in ernment. We are proud to after use;observe your ered that persons are Adrian Forde is giving the would have done educa- Barbados. We are also be on the front-line protocols as well so that using it as part of their country the assurance tion, we would have very concerned about the adding to the well-being we can our staff being early morning hike to that he is in discussion warned you, but clearly safety of Barbadians.” of Barbadians during this safe as we work to keep walk or even jog, but be- with the Attorney what you are doing is not The PRO also said that time. you safe as well. We sup- cause of the overgrown General about the illegal in keeping with the best the SSA gives the assur- “We would also wish to port Barbados in this bush it was becoming a dumping being seen in possible health practice, ance that with the restric- say to Barbadians, re- fight and together we danger healthwise and the island. not only of your trade but tions in place as a result spect your sanitation know that we can beat safety wise. We responded “It is at the stage of for the country. of COVID, everything is loaders and drivers by COVID 19,” Padmore at the request of the draft and a new suite of “Each time you dump il- being done to ensure that doing the right thing. By said. (JH) The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 5 ‘Do not blame Barbadians!’ BARBADIANS should not time for blaming or for the policy and its roll he said in a social media not be blamed for the is- pointing fingers’, yet we out. post yesterday. land’s current spike in are to believe that we are “A government has to Yearwood, an attorney- COVID-19 cases. to blame. Barbadians in plan and understand its at-law, argued whether or This position has been large measure do not make people. The government not persons supported ‘X’ outlined by Law Lecturer policy or set directives and responds with firm leader- or ‘Y’ government, the ad- Dr.Ronnie Yearwood,as he are only responding to the ship and a sense of humil- ministration was misun- levelled harsh criticism policy set, and if that policy ity and above all, treats derstanding the people in against the current admin- is wrong or provides re- people with dignity. I am terms of policy decision istration for the state of sults intended or otherwise tired of people ‘blaming' and implementation. affairs, indicating it must that are wrong, then some- Bajans, especially the He also took issue with accept responsibility. one has to be responsible, poorer ones who have no the conditions of the up- “I keep hearing, ‘This is or in Bajan “tek de blame” access to power or means,” coming lockdown. “I still cannot see how the current lockdown – not a lockdown, a ‘pause’ – was Preparations ongoing at HIV Food good policy and how it be- came policy.This is consid- Bank ahead of national pause ering last year's proper lockdown when we could By Regina Selman Moore not go beyond the ‘cur- tilage', which Bajans ad- OFFICIALS at the hered to and sacrificed to Barbados HIV Food Bank make Barbados safe. are making preparations Perhaps the government to ensure that their vul- was uncomfortable to Law Lecturer Dr. Ronnie Yearwood. nerable clients can get the ask Bajans for that sort of best nutrition needed for sacrifice again, as experts, size of the island. ments cannot simply be their diets, as the country and every Sam Poochie “But if no one is to ‘tek de fair weather governments. gears up to take a and the Duppy warned blame’ for where we are Importantly,how do we get national pause next that the COVID protocols now with community accountability for where week. were flawed,” he stressed. spread, or to explain how we are now and what is In an interview with Yearwood noted that it we are moving as rapidly next? Is accountability The Barbados Advo- is not possible to have an as we can to new economic that favourite word when cate yesterday, Food economy while a large part sectors or to feed ourselves, in opposition, but not so Bank Manager Stacia of the country suffers from then who is running the much when in govern- Whittaker noted that COVID, given the small country? Surely, govern- ment?” he asked. they received a lot of sup- plies last December, but lamented that donations are now slacking off and hence the need to make Retired nurses in vulnerable preparations ahead of the two-week nationwide pause, which will start category, BNA cautions from February 3. “For the most part, we GIVEN the public health them – because it is really with the Association to are a food assistance or- emergency caused by the a dire emergency now for thoroughly lay out the ganisation or depart- COVID-19 pandemic, continuity of care.” strategic plan for the sec- ment, however you want President of the Barbados The nurses on the front- ond wave of pandemic. to see it. So really, to be Nurses Association (BNA) line at the island’s lone “Which is this period, quite honest, from the get Joannah Waterman fully public hospital are under where we have the in- go we look at emergen- Stacia Whittaker, Manager of the HIV Food Bank. understands the Queen extreme strain, according creasing spread and the cies, how best we can as- Elizabeth Hospital’s need to Waterman. She said spikes and now we know sist persons during times Bank. We will also see and that they will still to expand its pool of back- this is a national public officially that it is commu- of emergencies and chal- how referrals will go come in, knowing that we up staff. health emergency, none nity spread, but I knew lenges, so to speak. So yes, again, because last year are setting up all proto- However, she has cau- like they have ever seen that ever since,” she given the pause, how we experienced a little in- cols as usual so that there tioned that the retired before, and nurses are pointed out. things will be done from crease in referrals and we will be a quick turn over. registered nurses and fearing for their lives. “In that strategic plan next week, we too would did see a drop in our sup- But we know that gener- nursing assistants being “And of course, they are are all sorts of areas re- have to kind of work plies or donations and ally people are financially sought are part of the vul- all emotional and it is very lated to voluntary testing, around those hours and that in itself is very chal- challenged, even those nerable population. understandable. They if our nurses or health times to assist our vulner- lenging,” she said. that want to donate, so we “In this environment so are human and despite care workers are uncer- able clients,” Whittaker Stating that officials at expect that we will go much is happening so knowledge of the science, tain, suspicious, worried acknowledged. the Food Bank are con- through the same song quickly, and the essential when you are fearing for that they might have “With that said, we will scious of the fact that and dance as we did last fundamental thing is that your life you are afraid, come in contact, there is try to sort out our sup- there may be more peo- year where we might see they need to manage the and it is something un- available testing for them. plies to have things ready. ple reaching out for assis- a drop [in supplies],” she patients. So how are they precedented, and the sci- There is also the psycho- So our aim is that our tance due to reduced in- asserted. going to do that? They ence is still being devel- logical and counselling clients can come and be comes in the coming “However, we had an have to pull in a pool from oped. services being made avail- processed quickly and weeks, the Food Bank awesome December as al- outside. “Not only that, but the able. So it was a very com- move along just as fast, Manager expressed her ways,where people really “The only thing I would long hours you have to prehensive plan that they and we expect to do the hope that donations of reached out and we had say in caution about that work now and the fact rolled out to us. same thing if persons con- food will still keep com- some good contributions is our retired nurses are in that you are not looking “How it would be taken tinue to donate during ing in, so they do not have that really kept us the vulnerable population. forward to a holiday or a up on the ground by our that time, so there's a to turn any one back . through that month and So that could present a real relief, then that adds nurses and health care very quick handover and “It is something we for the most part of problem in terms of their to the situation,” she said. workers, I am not sure. no lingering for too long,” can't avoid. If people are January as well. Yes, willingness to come for- The BNA President But I can just tell you she added. probably not going to be we've already started to ward knowing that they added that the QEH has what was rolled out and “Again, we rely very working and they reach see that slowing down as are in a more vulnerable done an excellent job in we conveyed it to our heavily on the general out to us, we can’t say, the time for giving has age group,” she explained. providing counselling nurses, and they are public. So that is the only well don't come. We can kind of expired, but to be “But I understand the services for the nurses. aware that this is avail- thing. We will have to see only say to persons please quite honest, we are just need to pull in a pool from She also recalled that able to them,” Waterman how that will impact our donate, and we can only going to do the best we outside – sources from the QEH’s management added. supplies here at the Food hope that they will hear can, as always.” wherever you can get about four weeks ago met (TL) 6 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Drug and alcohol concerns ALCOHOL is a drug crack cocaine. It is legal, it COVID-19 pandemic and The NCSA head added, that if abused, can be is used for socialising, it is the restrictions that have “Several legally available as dangerous to the used for everything from been imposed to limit the substances can be mixed human body as any ille- the cradle to the grave and spread of the virus. and modified to give the gal drug. that has been our chal- “You would find that same high. The problem That’s according to lenge in convincing people persons will resort to with the new psychoactive Manager of the National that yes alcohol is a drug using any substance if substances is that you are Council on Substance and it can be as dangerous there is a situation where never sure of doses and Abuse (NCSA), Betty as any of the other illegal there is a curfew, a lock- you are never sure of what Hunte, who as she spoke drugs,” Hunte main- down and they need some- exactly you are taking and in a recent interview with tained. thing – that’s the nature of that is the challenge. We The Barbados Advocate Her remarks came as an addiction. So a lot of really have to do some ag- about alcohol abuse and she said that the NCSA our public outreach this gressive education around treating those who are ad- will continue to educate year is focusing on the the new psychoactive sub- dicted, said that the work the public about the dan- abuse of new psychoactive stances.” to prevent and treat alco- gers of alcohol. Moreover, substances and also the Meanwhile, asked about holism remains challeng- she stated that they have abuse of prescription med- medicinal cannabis and if ing. recognised that there is ications and the dangers there are any concerns “The challenge for us also a need to raise aware- around such, as well as about such drugs being with alcohol throughout ness about the abuse of the traditional drugs we legally available, she said the years is that it is legal, over-the-counter and pre- would normally speak the NCSA was party to and that is what sepa- scription drugs, especially about – alcohol, mari- some of the discussions re- rated it in the past per- as the country continues juana, cocaine and club garding that move and haps from marijuana or to grapple with the drugs.” has been prepared for it. Her comments came as she said that medicinal marijuana can only be prescribed by a doctor and Manager of the National Council on Substance Abuse is available only from (NCSA), Betty Hunte. pharmacies. “We recognised that stance would have to be to do our education once a policy decision was different. The same way around marijuana – what made to use marijuana for we have alcohol and other are medicinal purposes; medicinal purposes and drugs which are legally what is recreational use remove it from the available and can be and what are the dangers Dangerous Drugs Act, our abused and we do our ed- surrounding both,” Hunte education around the sub- ucation, we will continue indicated. (JRT) The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 7

China revitalises world’s confidence with Ministry: China positive energy to recover economy to advance CHINA’S economic performance over by getting Covid-19 under control and the United Nations Development the past year triggered broad discus- deploying fiscal and monetary stimulus to Programme noted China not only 150 key water sion and commendation across the boost investment, said Bloomberg in achieved its own development, but also world. The country was the only a recent article. Experts from build a new vision of future international major economy that secured positive the International Monetary Fund cooperation and economic development. conservancy growth in 2020, whose GDP for the also noted that China’s practices In the new year, China has both the first time crossed the 100 trillion proved effective control measures could foundation and conditions to maintain yuan mark, rising 2.3 percent from promote economic recovery, which is a economic recovery, and is bound to make projects a year ago. great example for other countries greater contribution to global economic International observers commented to follow. recovery and development. By further that China has consolidated its position as “Integration into the global economy is enhancing innovation, expanding CHINA will accelerate its work a key driver of global growth, and the a historical trend. To grow its economy, domestic demand and comprehensively on 150 major water conservancy country’s economy is likely to keep acting China must have the courage to swim in implementing reform and opening up projects in 2021, the Ministry of as a “locomotive” that fuels the recovery the vast ocean of the global market.” measures, it is injecting confidence into Water Resources said recently. of global economy this year. The remarks made by Chinese President the international society for economic These projects involve emergency As the Davos Agenda of the World Xi Jinping when addressing the development. water supplies under the South-to- Economic Forum (WEF) is about to kick Opening Session of the WEF Annual The Organization for Economic North Water Diversion Project, off and the world is seeking cooperation to Meeting four years ago in Davos, Cooperation and Development forecasted flood prevention in the lower fight COVID-19 and recover economy, Switzerland, well explain why China that China will contribute to over 1/3 of reaches of the Yellow River and water China’s economy is injecting positive secured outstanding economic perform- global growth this year. Japanese news supplies for the Xiong’an New Area, energy into the world, revitalising the ance last year. outlet Nikkei reported that thanks to said E Jingping, minister of confidence of the global community Protectionism was on a rise after the China’s rapid economic recovery and water resources, at a work to recover economy. outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. thriving market demand, Japan’s conference. Hans-Paul Burkner, chairman of the China took a series of new measures to manufacturers have constantly lifted The ministry will ramp up credit Boston Consulting Group remarked that expand opening up, stabilise global their expectation for performance. Craig support for such projects and encourage China’s v-shaped bounceback was not by industrial and supply chains and Allen, president of the US-China Business the use of special local government accident or luck, and it represented the safeguard the open environment for inter- Council (USCBC) said almost all bonds and bank loans for fund-raising, arduous efforts made by the Chinese national cooperation, which further members of the council saw China’s huge the minister said. people, enterprises and government improved its capability to achieve contribution to the world economy and China unveiled a list last year of 150 departments. win-win results with the rest of the were expanding their investment major water conservancy projects, with The strong resilience and vitality of world. in the country. 45 of them having been kick-started, the Chinese economy came from the In 2020, China’s foreign trade of goods Embarking on a new journey, China is according to the ministry. country’s efforts to coordinate pandemic went up by 1.9 percent from a year ago, accelerating the building of a new devel- The country’s investment in water prevention and control and economic and and the freight trains running between opment paradigm, releasing market conservancy hit an all-time high of social development, which offered the country and Europe made 12 406 potential and opening wider to the world. 769.5 billion yuan (about 119 billion important experiences for the world to trips, 50 percent more than those in 2019. It will definitely create more opportunities US dollars) in 2020, up 6 percent year win the battle against the disease Behind these figures is the energy China to share development with the rest on year, data from the ministry and secure economic performance. has injected to the world for the latter’s re- of the world and strive for win-win showed. The V-shaped recovery was engineered covery. Achim Steiner, Administrator of cooperation. Hubei Province’s 2021 GDP growth rate expected to surpass 15% HU JUNHUA is a crawfish farmer in loss in their savings, and for companies Qianjiang, Hubei Province in Central and factories which were shut down for China, who has witnessed how the most almost three months last year they are representative farming sector shook off trying their best to play catch-up. the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. “While lifestyle, consumption and “I became extremely worried in working habits are all changing following February 2020 when it was time to put the virus outbreak in Hubei, me and my the crawfish fry into the paddy fields and friends are working harder with a catch the mature ones for sale,” he said, fighting spirit,” Li said. noting that village roads were blocked, With a thriving atmosphere and the so they couldn’t get the fish feed necessary hard-working spirit of local people and for crawfish farming. local enterprises, the economy of Hubei Thanks to the government’s favourable Province contracted 5 percent last year to policies to grant farmers and feed suppli- 4.34 trillion yuan, but all major indicators ers special green passes to resume oper- have pointed to a roaring recovery as local ations in tandem with the country’s boom- consumption returned to growth ing livestreaming e-commerce, the craw- in December. fish farming quickly resumed, Hu told The rate of economic decline narrowed the Global Times, adding that there are quickly from the first-quarter figure of special 24-hour logistics channels facili- a massive 39.2 percent plunge, when the tating crawfish shipping in Qianjiang. Red lanterns are hung in the streets of Wuhan, capital of Central China’s Hubei provincial capital Wuhan experienced Livestreaming e-commerce has helped Province, for the upcoming Spring Festival which falls on February 12, 2021. a stringent 76-day lockdown. local merchants greatly after the virus Achieving such results is positive as outbreak. For instance, Chinese fish and rake in more profits,” Hu said, as announced in a local government work Hubei only worked for half a year in 2020, livestreaming icon Viya has helped com- adding that he forecasts a bump harvest report on Sunday. Dong Dengxin, director of the Financial panies in Hubei sell more than 250 mil- in 2021. Securities Institute at Wuhan University lion yuan ($38.57 million) of products in The comeback of Qianjiang crawfish Playing catch-up of Science and Technology, told the 2020, including popular local food such as farming is one example of how the local “Every night when I drop by office build- Global Times. crawfish and local delicacy - hot dry noo- industries have recovered from the coro- ings on my way home in Wuhan, all of the Looking into 2021, Dong said that dle, according to statistics provided by navirus fallout in Hubei. More impor- lights inside the buildings are brightly stabilizing employment and reviving local Viya’s team to the Global Times. tantly, the havoc generated rising dili- lit. Companies in most industries are put- consumption are the two biggest “In 2020, almost 80-90 percent craw- gence on the part of factory workers in the ting in extra hours in order to get up to challenges. fish farmers suffered a loss because of the province,which is now striving to catch up speed with other parts of China,” a According to statistics by Trip.com lockdown in spring, but the industry is with other provinces and cities. Wuhan-based white-collar worker sur- Group, China’s largest online travel rapidly healing – the price is rising and Setting the stage for substantial growth named Li told the Global Times. agency, tourists visiting Hubei last August many farmers have improved nurturing this year, Hubei has set its GDP growth He said from a personal perspective, tripled after the province allowed methods to grow relatively bigger craw- target for 2021 at more than 10 percent, employees work harder to make up for the trans-provincial group tours. 8 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Stop endless referendum talk, UK PM Johnson tells Scotland Landowners LONDON – Prime tion event”. he was sticking to his po- so very long ago,” he said. Minister Boris Johnson The bonds that tie sition of not approving “The very same people told Scottish nationalists England, Wales, Scotland another referendum, who ... go on and on on Thursday to stop talk- and Northern Ireland which the Scottish about another referen- beware ing “endlessly” about a together in a $3 trillion National Party needs to dum also said only a few new independence refer- economy have been se- hold a legal vote. years ago, only in 2014, THE Ministry of Environment is again endum, saying most peo- verely strained by both “I don’t think that the that this was a once-in-a- appealing to the public for landowners to keep ple wanted to see Britain Britain’s exit from the right thing to do is to talk generation event – I’m their land clean and free of overgrown bush. “bouncing back more European Union and endlessly about another inclined to stick with This news came from Minister of the strongly together” after Johnson’s handling of referendum when I think what they said last time.” Environment, Adrian Forde, recently as he the COVID-19 pandemic the coronavirus out- what the people of the His visit to Scotland, at suggested that he was ready to see new eases. break. country and the people of a time when the nation is legislation enacted which would create a On a trip to Scotland Opinion surveys indi- Scotland want in partic- in a lockdown to prevent mechanism by which landowners could be to try to stem growing cate a majority of Scots ular is to fight this pan- the spread of COVID-19, ticketed if their land was not kept up to an support for another ref- would now favour break- demic,” Johnson said at drew criticism from acceptable standard. erendum, Johnson opted ing apart the 314-year- a laboratory just outside Scottish First Minister This is not a new issue to the country as each for a blunt message, say- old union between Edinburgh. Nicola Sturgeon and her year complaints are made to the media about ing independence sup- England and Scotland. “I don’t see the advan- Scottish National Party properties where dangerous situations have porters had their chance But Johnson, whose tage of getting lost in (SNP) who questioned been allowed to continue by landowners, such in 2014 in a vote they unpopularity runs deep pointless constitutional whether it qualified as as the growth of the cow itch plant which is had agreed at the time in Scotland according to wrangling when after all “essential” under coron- known to cause skin irritation once it makes was “a once-in-a-genera- opinion polls, suggested we had a referendum not avirus guidelines. contact with clothing or the skin. Another scenario being the breeding of mosquitoes, which can cause Dengue and Zika, among other EU warns it could block vaccine exports, diseases. Unkempt land can also lead to dumping, which is hazardous in and of itself as it often becomes a refuge for rodents which also carry diseases as well as foul odours that wields legal threat at drugmakers disrupt the comfort of those residing nearby. BRUSSELS – Europe’s ment measures at our dis- to iron out production health authorities in This newspaper has even carried reports of the fight to secure COVID-19 posal under the Treaties,” problems at a vaccine fac- Britain believed the vac- suffering caused to persons having to work near vaccine supplies intensi- he said in the Jan. 27 tory run by a partner in cine was safe and worked to such portions of land and we have called fied on Thursday when the letter. Belgium. across all age groups. on the Government to assist. Minister Forde’s European Union warned EU rules on monitoring The European statement on the matter appears to suggest drug companies such as and authorising exports of Commission has asked Appointments cancelled that at this time the Government’s hands are AstraZeneca that it would COVID-19 vaccines in the Belgian authorities to in- In Hauts-de-France in tied when it comes to enforcing the cleaning use all legal means or even 27-nation bloc could lead spect production at the northern France,the coun- of vacant lots. The Government is within its block exports unless they to exports being blocked if plant, Belgium’s Federal try’s second most densely rights to send a warning to landowners about agreed to deliver shots as they violated existing con- Agency for Medicines and populated region, several cleaning, but there is little else that can be promised. tracts between the vaccine Health Products (FAGG) vaccination centres were done unless the laws are updated. The EU, whose member maker and the EU, an EU said on Thursday. no longer taking appoint- The topic of keeping Barbados clean has been states are far behind official said. Britain, which has ments for a first jab.In sev- discussed by the public at length and there Israel, the United The European repeatedly touted its eral other French regions, appears to be a feeling that many persons who Kingdom and the United Commission is to lay out progress rolling out vac- some online appointment own land are not in a position to use or even States in rolling out vac- the criteria under which cines since leaving the platforms closed booking clean the land because they do not have the cines, is scrambling to get such exports would be EU’s orbit on Jan. 1, said options. available income to do so. Taking this into supplies just as the West’s evaluated on Friday. its deliveries must be Spain’s Madrid and consideration, the situation becomes a tricky biggest drugmakers slow honoured. Cantabria regions have one because a person who cannot afford to keep deliveries to the bloc due to Vaccine crunch “I think we need to make also ceased first vaccina- land clean likely cannot pay any fine incurred production problems. The global mass vaccina- sure that the vaccine sup- tions and were using re- for not cleaning such land and it is possible As vaccination centres in tion is stoking tensions ply that has been bought maining doses to adminis- that they are in arrears or barely covering their Germany, France and across the world as big and paid for, procured for ter second shots to those land taxes. Spain cancelled or delayed powers buy up doses in those in the UK, is deliv- who have had the first one. One solution to these problems might be to appointments, the EU bulk and poorer nations ered,” Minister for the Germany’s most popu- further incentivize the use of land; if land is publicly rebuked Anglo- try to collect whatever sup- Cabinet Office Michael lous state, North Rhine- consistently in use, it is unlikely to remain Swedish drugmaker plies are left. Gove told LBC Radio. Westphalia, last week overgrown. Land can be used for gardening, AstraZeneca for failing to Israel is by far the world European regulators postponed opening its vac- storage space, recreation or parking and it can deliver and even asked if it leader on vaccine rollout are expected to decide on cination centres until Feb. even be rented out to bring in additional could divert supplies from per head of population, fol- Friday whether to approve 8, while the state of income, but leaving land vacant and unkempt Britain. lowed by the United Arab AstraZeneca’s shot. Brandenburg has also had is not beneficial to anyone involved. European Council Emirates, the United Germany’s vaccine com- to push back vaccination Another issue which often arises is that the President Charles Michel Kingdom, Bahrain and the mittee said this vaccine appointments originally ownership of land remains unsettled for years said in a letter to four EU United States. Behind should be given only to scheduled for the end of and even decades and therefore, there is no leaders that the EU should them are Italy, Germany, people aged between 18 January due to delivery individual interested in taking on the explore legal means to en- France,China and Russia. and 64. delays. responsibility of maintaining the land when it sure supplies of vaccines it Both New York-based “There are currently in- AstraZeneca is prepared can add no value to their life in the foreseeable contracted to buy,if negoti- Pfizer and AstraZeneca, sufficient data available to to publish the delivery future. ations with companies headquartered in assess the vaccine efficacy contract it has with the The Government could provide clear and over delayed deliveries are Cambridge, England, have from 65 years of age,” the European Union and aims easy-to-follow guidelines to residents outlining unsuccessful. had production problems. committee, also known as today to make pro- how they can settle title to the land in which “If no satisfactory solu- AstraZeneca CEO Stiko, said in a draft reso- posals to the European they have an interest. This information should tion can be found, I believe Pascal Soriot said the EU lution made available by Commission on which sen- also be made available to those in the diaspora we should explore all op- was late to strike a supply the health ministry on sitive parts to redact, the who may have an interest in land here, but tions and make use of all contract so the company Thursday. Frankfurter Allgemeine believe that the process of getting legal title to legal means and enforce- did not have enough time Britain’s Johnson said reported. the land may be too complex. Land is a valuable asset and commodity. The Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes message from the Government should therefore E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen remind people of that instead of just portraying Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan land ownership as a burden and financial drain. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] Difficult Conversations – Reparations, Part 1 WHEN negotiating for our in- Barbados into unsustainable problems are to grow the na- comes at 100%. Haitians were never know the power of a dependence, we did not request debts, with unnecessarily ex- tional economy, and properly forced to work with the threat united nation. or demand reparations for pensive and high-maintenance manage our public services. of violence. We were forced to Our ‘forced-ripe’ development slavery.Why? Because we were infrastructure. But this requires a political ef- work with the threat of losing has left us too politically im- being given an entire island, We celebrated our politicians, fort that we are unwilling to our property,for not paying the mature to allow all Barbadians which our enslaved fore-par- who spent borrowed money to make. So, we reject the obvious taxes our politicians dreamed to prosper. We can see no other ents purchased for us with make us a developed country. and pursue the mendicant up. They also dreamed up option but to unfairly reward their lives work – it was consid- Then we castigated those who approach of begging. We beg minor offences to be punished political supporters, who fund ered a sufficient exchange. struggled to pay it back. for: debt forgiveness, climate with fines and imprisonment. expensive election campaigns At that time, Barbados had Anyone explaining that it takes change funds, reparations, and Meanwhile, giving no-bid that no candidate can afford, working infrastructure, which no special competence to spend now vaccines. contracts to political supporters and punish everyone else. was well-designed and man- borrowed money, was targeted is accepted, and is the main We can see no other way of aged by a professional public for punishment by political Live free reason why we pay some of the winning elections but accumu- service. Our politicians cau- operatives. When the Haitians fought to highest taxes of all nations on lating massive debts for an- tiously managed this island for become independent, they ex- this planet. Any climate change other administration to pay, the first decade after our inde- Blame Harding pected to receive land and live or reparations funds we may and then blaming them for the pendence. We did not think that We were directed to blame free. Instead, their new political receive will be wasted, if we resulting austerity measures. we needed reparations – until anyone but those directly re- masters forced them back to continue to embrace this cor- We are so insecure that we can we got greedy. sponsible for mismanaging our work on the plantations. At rupting practise. only accept ideas from mem- economy and public services. that time, our enslaved fore- bers of our own party, and so Forced-ripe nation Scapegoats included: the white parents were given: houses, Squandered legacy politically abused that we We became dissatisfied with man, white shadows, Uncle land, food and clothing, but We have already squandered celebrate rejecting any other the slow pace of economic Toms, the Queen, colonialism, their labour was taxed at 100%. our enslaved fore-parents’ lives advice. growth with careful manage- Nelson, Mr Harding, and now So, they were forced to live a work on keeping most of us in Reparations will not solve ment. We wanted to be a the descendants of Drax. hand-to-mouth existence. a hand-to-mouth poverty, for any of these problems – it will ‘forced-ripe’ developed nation. Combermere School being a When we became independ- the purpose of keeping us polit- only make them worse. So, we politicised and misman- Drax legacy is an inconvenient ent, our political leaders imple- ically divided. As long as we re- aged our public services. This truth. mented policies that had the main politically divided outside GRENVILLE made it easy to plunge The obvious solutions to our same effect of taxing our in- of an election period, we will PHILLIPS II Poor customer service Seek God’s Face, that requires attention not just his Hand I HAVE previously written as burners, knobs and grills. household appliance market IN these uncertain times, over which we have limited about poor quality items being Myself and others on whose would be most appreciated by for those of us who believe in control – a tiny mosquito, an imported from the Asian con- behalf I write look forward to a number of concerned con- the existence of an intelligent invisible virus. So let us seek tinent, especially China. enforcement of the laws, rules sumers. Creator, prayer is key. God, not just so that He can I am now pleading with and regulations pertaining to We look forward to having However, let us be careful to bring COVID and dengue retailers to ensure an ade- guarantees and protection of these inconveniences elimi- pray the right prayers with the under control, restore tourism, quate supply of replacement consumers. nated sooner rather than right attitude to the right God, fix our economy, and fulfil our parts are also imported with It seems as though there later. for the right reasons. every demand. household appliances such are breaches to sections of Allow me to end with two According to Biblical teach- Rather, let us pray in humil- as stoves, washing-machines, the Consumers Guarantee Act final thoughts: ing, it is imperative that each ity that the Almighty God will refrigerators and freezers. Chapter 326E that are not 1) “There’s a place in the individual first of all acknowl- fix our hearts so that we may Specifically, customers being dealt with to the satis- world for any business that edges his/her own sinful come to know Him, love Him are being short-changed, faction of consumers. takes care of its customers – state, and then confesses the and submit to His will. disadvantaged and inconve- If these breaches are not after the sale.” – American ungodliness of this nation. For too long we have ap- nienced when stoves require being drawn to the attention businessman Harvey Mackay. Stubbornly, we have declared proached the Lord of heaven burners after periods of a of the relevant authorities, 2) “If you are not taking care that Barbados is a secular with a presumptuous “not your few months and retailers are then hopefully this missive of your customer, your com- society, “progressive”, “sophis- will, but ours, be done”. It is out-of-stock. will achieve the expected re- petitor will.” – Canadian Best- ticated’, and must move in time for us as individuals and As far as I recall, there is sults. selling author, motivational tandem with the atheistic as a nation, to turn from our legislation that mandates A duty of care, by the speaker and Business success “modern world”. wicked ways and turn to God. retailers of household appli- Ministry of Consumers coach Bob Hooey. Whether we believe in God If not now, then when? ances to maintain continuous Affairs, in the form of a survey or not, we cannot deny that we inventory of spare parts such and investigation across the MICHAEL RAY are fighting against things DR. VERONICA EVELYN

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Michael Jordan Jackie Joyner-Kersee “God is spirit, and his wor- American businessman & former American retired track & shippers must worship in the professional basketball player field athlete HAPPINESS Spirit and in truth.” “Obstacles don't have to stop you. “It's better to look ahead and Happiness is not – John 4, vs 24 (NIV) If you run into a wall, don't turn prepare, than to look back something you get, but around and give up. Figure out and regret.” something you do. how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” 10 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

COVID-19 savages US economy, 2020 performance worst in 74 years WASHINGTON – The White House economic US economy contracted advisor Brian Deese said at its deepest pace since the report from the World War Two in 2020 Commerce Department on as the COVID-19 pan- Thursday underscored the demic depressed con- urgency for Congress to sumer spending and pass Biden’s plan, warning business investment, that the cost of doing noth- pushing millions of ing was too high. Americans out of work “Without swift action, we and into poverty. risk a continued economic Though a recovery is crisis that will make it underway, momentum harder for Americans to re- slowed significantly as the turn to work and get back year wound down amid a on their feet,” said Deese. resurgence in coronavirus Gross domestic product A John Deere tractor, a combine, and other heavy machinery sit inside a barn on a corn and soybean farm in infections and exhaustion decreased 3.5% in 2020, Woodburn, Indiana, US, October 16, 2020. of nearly $3 trillion in relief the biggest drop since money from the govern- 1946. That followed 2.2% Delays by the govern- demic level in the second ing, economists are expect- sion gradually reaching ment. The moderation is growth in 2019 and was ment to offer another res- quarter of this year. ing growth to slow to below two thirds of Americans by likely to persist at least the first annual decline in cue package and renewed The Federal Reserve on a 2.0% rate in the first July and employment through the first three GDP since the 2007-09 business disruptions Wednesday left its bench- quarter, before regaining accelerating this spring,” months of 2021. Great Recession. caused by the virus re- mark overnight interest speed by summer as the said Gregory Daco, chief The economy’s prospects Nearly every sector,with stricted GDP growth to a rate near zero and pledged additional stimulus kicks US economist at Oxford hinge on the distribution the exception of govern- 4.0% annualised rate in to continue pumping in and more Americans get Economics in New York. of vaccines to fight the ment and the housing the fourth quarter.The big money into the economy vaccinated. Stocks on Wall Street virus. President Joe Biden market, contracted last step-back from a historic through bond purchases, “We foresee record- rallied as mega-cap tech- has unveiled a recovery year. Consumer spending, 33.4% growth pace in the noting that “the pace of the breaking consumer spend- nology shares tried to plan worth $1.9 trillion, which accounts for more third quarter left GDP recovery in economic ac- ing growth in 2021 with recoup recent losses. The but some lawmakers have than two-thirds of the 2.5% below its level at the tivity and employment households benefiting dollar slipped against a balked at the price tag economy, plunged 3.9%, end of 2019. has moderated in recent from a watered-down $1.2 basket of currencies. US soon after the government the worst performance The economy is expected months.” trillion version of Biden’s Treasury prices were provided nearly $900 bil- since 1932. The economy to return to its pre-pan- With the virus still rag- rescue plan, vaccine diffu- lower. lion in additional stimulus tumbled into recession last in late December. February. BANK RATES American Airlines, Southwest post record Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. losses and signal need for more aid AMERICAN Airlines forum. for people entering the A $1.9 trillion COVID- Valid for January 29, 2021 Group Inc. and Southwest American posted an country from abroad, 19 relief proposal unveiled Notes: Airlines Co. posted their $8.9 billion annual loss, its including US citizens, a by President Joe Biden Currency Buying Selling biggest-ever annual losses biggest on record, though move that airlines said this month has $20 billion Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 on Thursday and indicated its adjusted quarterly net triggered a decline in in new assistance for pub- Canadian Dollar 1.54279 1.58842 a need for additional gov- loss of $3.86 per share was bookings, even as they con- lic transit systems, but no East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 ernment aid as the indus- better than analysts’ ex- tinue to view testing as a new money for airline Euro 2.37647 2.47653 try continues to reel from pectations for a loss of necessary strategy to re- payrolls. Pound Sterling 2.69124 2.80456 the coronavirus pandemic. $4.11 per share, according open travel over the longer US airlines continued to United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 US airlines expect de- to Refinitiv data. term. burn through millions of Demand/Sight: mand to improve this year Total operating revenue The US government has dollars of cash every day in Currency Buying Selling as vaccines become more fell to $4.03 billion from discussed mandatory the fourth quarter as costs Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.55158 1.58703 widely distributed but $11.31 billion but topped COVID-19 testing for trav- outstripped revenues, de- East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 have warned that the analysts’ expectations of ellers on domestic flights, spite strong cost-cutting Euro 2.41133 2.46116 strength of any rebound $3.88 billion. but American Airlines efforts in place for this Guyana Dollar 0.00943 0.00949 will depend on the pace of Southwest reported an Chief Executive Doug year. Pound Sterling 2.73073 2.78716 vaccine rollouts and the annual loss of $3.1 billion, Parker said such testing American and United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 easing of travel restric- its first annual loss since would be difficult. Southwest each ended Telegraphic Transfer tions. 1972, and said it was fac- 2020 with $14.3 billion Currency Buying Selling JetBlue Airways, which ing stalled demand in More aid in available liquidity. Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 also posted a quarterly January and February, In December, US airlines American is significantly Canadian Dollar 1.55451 1.58703 loss on Thursday, said a driven by high levels of received a $15 billion gov- more leveraged than its East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.41587 2.46116 recovery will be directly COVID-19 cases and hos- ernment aid package for peers but said liquidity Guyana Dollar 0.00943 0.00949 linked to a decline in pitalisations. payroll costs through would improve to $15 bil- Pound Sterling 2.73586 2.78716 COVID-19 case counts. So far the US vaccine March, the second such lion by the end of March, United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 Still, the shares of those rollout has been patchy program since the coron- reassuring investors. three airlines surged in and a string of European avirus began pummelling Southwest has taken INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL early trading, boosted by countries is discouraging demand last year. advantage of the crisis to CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE a retail trading frenzy that travel and implementing A US aviation union add new routes, a strategy RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS pushed stock of American more travel curbs in an at- leader urged Congress on it plans to continue this N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. - which is the most heavily tempt to contain the Thursday to extend the year. BDS$ shorted airline stock – up spread of new infections. program for a third time,a American, with a larger Guyana Dollar 0.00946 Jamaica Dollar 0.01355 as much as 32% after the The United States on move American’s Parker international profile, said T&T Dollar 0.29560 carrier was mentioned on Tuesday began requiring told investors the com- it was exiting 19 interna- Reddit’s WallStreetBets negative COVID-19 tests pany would support. tional routes in 2021. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 11

Apple’s Tim Cook criticises social media practices, intensifying Facebook conflict APPLE INC. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook on Thursday crit- icised polarisation and misinformation on so- cial media, intensifying a conflict between the iPhone maker and Facebook Inc. In remarks delivered at the Computers, Privacy and Data Protection con- ference, Cook critiqued apps that he argued col- lect too much personal in- Apple CEO Tim Cook testifies before the House formation and prioritise Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial “conspiracy theories and and Administrative Law on ‘Online Platforms and violent incitement simply Market Power’, in the Rayburn House office Building because of their high rates on Capitol Hill, in Washington, US, July 29, 2020. of engagement”. “At a moment of ram- tising industry believe Cook on Thursday criti- pant disinformation and will cause some users to cised social media prac- conspiracy theories juiced decline to allow the use of tices that he said under- by algorithms, we can no ad-targeting tools. mine public trust in vac- longer turn a blind eye to Facebook has accused cines and encourage users a theory of technology that Apple of anticompetitive to join extremist groups. says all engagement is conduct because Apple “It is long past time to good engagement – the has a growing catalogue stop pretending that this longer the better – and all of paid apps and its approach doesn’t come with the goal of collecting own digital advertising with a cost – of polarisa- as much data as possible,” business. Facebook Chief tion, of lost trust and, yes, Cook said. Executive Mark of violence,” Cook said. “A He did not name Zuckerberg on Wednesday social dilemma cannot be Facebook, but the two said Apple has “every in- allowed to become a social companies have been in a centive to use (its) domi- catastrophe.” high-profile dispute.Apple nant platform position to Facebook could not is preparing to implement interfere with how our immediately be reached privacy notifications that apps and other apps for comment on Cook’s many in the digital adver- work”. remarks. EU opens competition investigation into Cadbury owner BRUSSELS anti-trust whether the US snack implementing various regulators have launched giant limited where practices hindering trade a price-fixing investigation traders could buy and sell flows, ultimately leading into Cadbury owner products to particular to higher prices for con- Mondelez. sales territories. sumers.” The European The Commission will Mondelez said: “We will Commission is concerned also look into whether work constructively with that Mondelez restricted Mondelez raised prices or the European Commission trade across borders limited volumes for firms as it conducts its review.” between EU countries, that traded across the EU. Commission investiga- pushing up prices for its It will probe whether tors made a series of raids products. Mondelez paid or compen- on Mondelez premises in Mondelez is one of the sated firms so they would- November 2019 after con- largest chocolate, biscuit n’t make that kind of cerns were raised that and coffee producers in the cross-border trade, and prices for food and drinks EU, the Commission said. whether it refused to products significantly var- Mondelez, which supply certain traders to ied across EU member owns brands including restrict imports. states. Toblerone and Milka, Executive Vice- In May 2019 the said it will “work con- President Margrethe Commission fined beer structively” with the Vestager, in charge of giant Anheuser-Busch Commission. competition policy, said: InBev 200m euros In the EU single mar- “Chocolates, biscuits (£176m) for using similar ket, retailers and traders and coffee are products methods to ensure that try to buy products where consumed by European cheaper beer from the they are cheaper and trade citizens daily. Netherlands and France them in countries where “We are opening a for- could not be sold in the prices are higher. mal investigation to see Belgium. This tends to push the whether Mondelez, a key This included changing prices down in the more producer of these prod- the design and size of beer expensive countries. ucts, might have restricted cans to make them un- However, the formal free competition in the available for cross-border investigation will look at markets concerned by sales. 12 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline CAVE SHEPHERD AND COMPANY LIMITED 97,630 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $0.00 FIRSTCARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK 739 $1.80 $1.80 $1.80 -$0.20 January 28, 2021

One security declined and one traded firm as 98,369 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $401,613.20. Cave Shepherd and Company Limited was the volume leader trading 97,630 shares at $4.10. They were followed by FirstCaribbean Fixed Income Market International Bank which traded 739 shares. Security Volume GOB SERIES B 74,021.00

Deposit Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $20.56 $20.56 $0.00 BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Thursday January 28, 2021 INDICES LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE January 28, 2021 January 27, 2021 Local 2,447.73 2,604.65 (156.92) ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,498 Cross-list 933.43 933.43 - BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - Composite 596.42 633.75 (37.33) MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - January 28, 2021 January 27, 2021 Local 4,919.93 5,235.35 (315.42) Barbados Farms Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.35 $0.40 1,000 6,561 Cross-list 119.19 119.19 - Composite 5,039.12 5,354.54 (315.42) Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 28-Jan-21 97,630 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $0.00 $3.50 $4.30 10,000 5,500 MUTUAL FUND FirstCaribbean International Bank 28-Jan-21 739 $1.80 $1.80 $2.00 $1.80 -$0.20 $1.77 $1.80 2,000 261 January 28, 2021 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 31-Dec-20 - - - $0.17 $0.17 - $0.15 $0.16 465 6,710 CHANGE - Dev Fund 22-Jan-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.1989 0.0060 22-Jan-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2673 -0.0002 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 18-Dec-20 - - - $0.57 $0.57 - $0.55 $0.57 1,600 2,427 22-Jan-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6736 -0.0004 -Value Fund 22-Jan-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.5660 6.5660 6.5660 0.0118 22-Jan-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.1025 0.0003 Goddard Enterprises Limited 27-Jan-21 - - - $2.17 $2.17 - $2.17 $2.20 26 7,880 22-Jan-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0235 0.0002 31-Dec-20 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.5718 5.5718 5.4665 0.1391 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 78 1,000 31-Dec-20 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0241 1.0241 1.0036 0.0415 31-Dec-20 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6435 1.6435 1.6106 0.0168 One Caribbean Media Limited 27-Jan-20 - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 375 22-Jan-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.76 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 22-Jan-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.68 0.00 22-Jan-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - -- $2.80 $2.80 - - - -- * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE West India Biscuit Company Limited 27-Jan-21 - - - $31.55 $31.55 - $31.55 38 - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $20.56 $20.56 $0.00 $30.00 - 50 - m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly

TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 98,369 Fixed Income Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size * = Security is Trading X-Div GOB Series B 28-Jan-21 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 $80.00 6,616 34,828 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 - - - - *+* = Security is Suspended GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 - - - - ** = Rights Issued GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 - - - - NOTICES NEWS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS West India Biscuit Company Limited - Directors have fixed January 7th, 2021 as the record date for the determination of Visa profit beats estimate as shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on February 12th, 2021.

FirstCaribbean International Bank - Directors have fixed February 1st, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders payment volumes rebound entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on March 12th, 2021. VISA INC. beat Wall Street share buyback program. DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS estimates for quarterly But cross-border volume Cave Shepherd and Company Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of five ($0.05) cents per share to be paid on profit on Thursday, as a slumped 21% as the pan- February 19th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 5th, 2021. surge in online spending demic continued to hurt helped drive a recovery in travel demand, with vol- Emera Deposit Receipt - Directors have declared a cash dividend of sixty-three point seven five (CDN $0.6375) cents per common share to be paid on February 16th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 2nd, 2021. Registered holders of payment volumes from the umes excluding transac- depositary receipts ("Depositary Receipts") issued pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated coronavirus-induced slump. tions within Europe crash- February 2nd, 2016 among Emera, the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. and registered and beneficial holders of depositary The world’s largest pay- ing 33%. receipts from time to time, are entitled to receive, in proportion to the number of Depositary Receipts held by them, respectively, a ment processor said total The resurgence of infec- distribution in the amount of any cash received by the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. (net of any applicable withholding taxes) in connection with the Dividend (the "Distribution"). spending rose 5% on a con- tions in several countries BSE NOTICES stant dollar basis from a led to border closures, COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE year earlier, after dropping which mainly impacted Kindly note that effective January 18th, 2021 the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central Securities 10% in the previous quar- card-present spending,Visa Depository Inc. (BCSDI) have recommenced operations at our physical offices. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to ter, as customers staying said. A card-present trans- 4:00 p.m. at home due to the health action is one in which a cus- All persons entering our building must wear a mask and will be subject to a digital temperature check on entry to our offices. While we crisis shopped more on tomer physically swipes a acknowledge that every person with fever may not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without symptoms, the web. card to make a payment. please note that any person with a temperature reading of 100˚ F (37.8˚ C) or over, as well as those not wearing masks, will be denied “We saw sustained Visa also did not provide entry to conduct business within our offices. strength of debit and a forecast for full-year 2021 We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step for the protection eCommerce volumes as due to the COVID-19 crisis. of staff and clients alike. well as resilient domestic Visa reported a net in- spending in most coun- come of 1.42 per Class A TRADING SUSPENSION The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section tries,” Chief Executive share for the first quarter 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were Officer Alfred Kelly Jr. said. ended Dec. 31, compared suspended effective December 10th, 2019. Visa’s shares were up with analysts’ estimates of The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section 1.2% in extended trading as $1.28 per share, according 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. the company said the num- to IBES data from Refinitiv. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way ber of processed transac- The company’s net rev- of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor tions rose 4% and that it enue fell 6% to $5.69 bil- Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. approved a new $8 billion lion. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 13 CDC to lower travel advisory for The Bahamas NASSAU, Bahamas – reassessment came “after have made and are that destination. The Centres for discussions between convinced that we will To date, The Bahamas Disease Control (CDC) myself, other Bahamian continue to be vigilant,” has confirmed more than in the United States, officials and the US he said. “A part of this 8,100 COVID-19 cases . says it plans to move government.” vigilance is the Meanwhile, Minnis The Bahamas from a The Prime Minister availability of quick said the rollout of a level four travel made the statement as he emergency measures COVID-19 vaccine will be health notice to the opened a debate on a that we can use “one of the greatest less serious level resolution to extend the because of the emergency logistical challenges” the three, based on lower state of emergency to orders.” country has ever faced. numbers of COVID-19 May 23. The Bahamas had been “Which vaccines will be that have been He also suggested that under a level four health used and exactly when recorded in recent the emergency order was notice since December 2, they will arrive in (the) weeks. an important factor in 2020. country is still being In making the the CDC’s decision. A level four notice worked out,” he said announcement on “We will, I believe, be indicates a very high during the House of Wednesday, Prime moved to level three level of COVID-19 and Assembly debate on Minister Dr Hubert because the CDC sees means that travellers extending the state of Minnis said the how much progress we should avoid all travel to emergency. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis Regional governments Concerns present urged to help pay as Jamaica continues severance to former to rank high on LIAT employees corruption ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – employees committed KINGSTON, Jamaica – Trevor Munroe, principal Regional heads of themselves and continued With Jamaica continuing director of the NIA, said government have been to provide service to the to rank among the most while Jamaica has moved asked to help cover the cost company,” he continued. corrupt annually by marginally up and down of severance entitlements The administrator also global corruption over the years it has of over EC$70-million to pointed out that “the watchdog Transparency “remained in the former employees of employees were of the firm International, local absolutely unsatisfactory regional carrier, LIAT. view that by virtue of the monitoring agency situation of being among In a letter dated January company being primarily National Integrity Action the most corrupt, 22, the Court-appointed owned by the governments (NIA) says it is time the especially at a time when administrator, Cleveland of the region, it was most country moves out of that we need to make sure Seaforth, said that as of unlikely that hardship rut. that every dollar counts”. April 2020, the total unpaid would come to them, According to the just Pointing out that entitlements to workers because there was an released Corruption Jamaica has continued to across the region, expectation that the Court-appointed administrator, Cleveland Perceptions Index (CPI) “tread water beneath the amounted to company would never be Seaforth 2020, Jamaica scored 44 surface of integrity” the EC$119,006,962. Of this abandoned by the out of 100 and ranks 69 NIA principal said “CPI amount EC$79,011,337 is respective governments.” workers, but the onus is far workers have been out of 180 countries.For 2018 saw us stagnant at in respect of the employee’s He stated further, that too great for a single terminated and as the 2019, the country scored score 44; CPI 2019 legal severance based on discussions with government. restructuring process is 43 out of 100 and ranked showed slippage to 43 entitlements. various unions in each of He said the Antiguan completed, the remaining 74, while for 2018 it and now CPI 2020 has “Based on preliminary the territories, it is clearly government is prepared to 103 employers will also be scored 44 out of 100 and Jamaica’s score estimates, it is highly evident that both the offer the employees up to a terminated. ranked 70 out of the 180 marginally improved to unlikely that any current and former maximum of 50 percent of The letter was addressed countries. 44, with 68 countries significant portion of the workers are experiencing their severance, through a to the governments of The Corruption performing better than workers’ severance severe financial hardship combination of cash, land Antigua and Barbuda, Perceptions Index ranks us, including comparable entitlement will likely and a high level of or government bonds. Barbados, Dominica, 180 countries and CARICOM states – such result from the estate of disappointment, in what is He suggested that such Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts territories from zero to as Barbados, Bahamas, LIAT (1974) Limited, upon perceived as a lack of an approach could be and Nevis, St Lucia, St 100 – zero being highly St Vincent and the its eventual liquidation,” support from the respective considered by other Vincent and the corrupt, 100 being very Grenadines, St Lucia, Seaforth wrote. governments. governments across the Grenadines and Trinidad clean – by their perceived Dominica, Grenada – “This likely eventuality Seaforth also pointed out region and indicated his and Tobago. It was also levels of public sector which all score above 50. is most unfortunate as over that the government of willingness to hold copied to the CARICOM corruption, according to Indeed, in the Caribbean, the years,notwithstanding Antigua and Barbuda dialogue on the matter. Secretary-General and experts and business only Trinidad & Tobago, the continued financial ill believes it has a moral The Administrator also several of the trade unions people. Guyana and Haiti score health of the company, the obligation to the former revealed that, to date, 564 across the islands. Wednesday, Professor less than we do”.

Sunny with cloudy periods and a few brief scattered light showers.

High Tide (First) 4:50 High tide (Second) 16:14 London 10 Overcast Yesterday: 0 mm Boston -01 Overcast Low Tide (First) 9:58 For the month: 126.3 mm Max: 28.7 °C Montreal -09 Overcast/ Light Snow Low tide (Second) 22:55 For the year: 126.3 mm Min: 24.4 °C Toronto -08 Cloudy New York 01 Fair Miami 22 Fair 6:25 am 5:58 pm 14 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

US, CARICOM, France convey support for Guyana – condemn Venezuela Zone (EEZ). The crews and Julie Chung, Acting Assistant vessel. The OAS also noted that January 12 following President aggression vessels have since been detained Secretary in the Bureau of the seamen were in Guyana’s Maduro’s issuing of a decree on – call for release of Guyanese at Port Guiria in Venezuela. Western Hemisphere Affairs in waters when they were January 7, claiming Guyana’s fishing crew Since the incident, Guyana’s the US State Department said: intercepted. territory. THE United States (US), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and “The U. S. supports a peaceful CARICOM also expressed CARICOM says it fully Caribbean Community International Cooperation has resolution of the maritime “grave concerns” at the escalating supports Guyana’s pursuit of a (CARICOM) and France have denounced Venezuela’s boundary controversy between tensions between the two juridical process already all, yesterday, conveyed their aggression. The Ministry also Venezuela and Guyana and countries. It noted that underway at the International support for Guyana, and for pointed out that the Venezuelan condemns Maduro’s intimidation Venezuela’s increasing Court of Justice (ICJ) to bring an its call on Venezuela to navy vessel was illegally through the seizure of fishing aggression against Guyana end to the decades-long matter. release 12 Guyanese seamen manoeuvring within Guyana’s vessels and detention of crew. threatens the peace and security The Government of France also who have been illegally EEZ and Contiguous Zone when “We echo the OAS Secretariat’s of both nations and the Region conveyed its support to Guyana detained in Venezuela since it detained the Guyanese boats call for their release without and urges the Venezuelan on this matter on Wednesday. last Thursday. and seamen. delay.” Government to respect Guyana’s Ambassador, His Excellency The Venezuelan navy On Wednesday, the United Earlier,the General Secretariat sovereignty and territorial Antoine Joly expressed his intercepted the Lady Nayera and States also denounced of the Organization of American integrity. solidarity with the detained the Sea Wolf and their crew off Venezuelan President, Nicolas States (OAS) issued a statement CARICOM had issued a fishermen and their families the coast at Waini Point in Maduro’s actions. In a Twitter rejecting the “illegal detention” of similar statement denouncing during a meeting with Foreign Guyana’s Exclusive Economic post on her official account, Ms. the Guyanese crew and their Venezuela’s aggression on Minister, Hon. Hugh Todd. COVID-19 measures extended to end of February KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime the current measures, which religious services operating in continues to monitor Minister Andrew Holness has were to expire on January 31, compliance with the developments relating to the extended the COVID-19 2021, to the end of February. established protocols may UK variant of the virus and the measures under the Disaster These measures apply continue. (Congregants are restrictions applicable to Risk Management Act until the islandwide except for the reminded that gatherings of travellers from the United end of February 2021. parish of Manchester, for which more than 15 people are not Kingdom will remain in place The measures were slated to the enhanced measures are allowed outside the place of until February 28; expire on January 31. applicable,” he said. worship); • Excluding the UK, the Speaking in Parliament The measures are as follows: • Restrictions applicable current protocols under the Wednesday, Holness said that • The islandwide curfew to hospitals, nursing homes, Controlled Entry programme while the Government remains will remain at 10:00 pm – 5:00 and infirmaries will remain in for both residents and visitors focused on managing the am nightly until 5:00 am on place; will remain until April 15. pandemic, focus is also being March 1, 2021; • Restrictions on small placed on gradually restoring • The gathering limit outdoor events (including small The prime minister further jobs and returning the economy will remain at 15 people; outdoor concerts, parties, encouraged Jamaicans to to full productive capacity. • The age limit for the tailgate parties, round robins, continue the wearing of masks, “Given the recent upward stay-at-home measure will religious celebrations, festivals) washing of hands, sanitising, trend in new cases, the remain at 65; remain in place; and maintaining physical Prime Minister Andrew Government proposes to extend • Normal church or • The Government distance. Holness Jamaica’s Minister of Finance outlines specific priorities KINGSTON, Jamaica – said, were first quarter any significant turn for the Minister of Finance and the 2020/21 fiscal year contraction worse”. Public Service, Dr Nigel of 18.4 per cent, and a $72- “We fully expect the Clarke, says Jamaica has a billion reduction in revenues, [COVID-19] vaccines to be clear path towards recovering while citing projections for an rolled out, beginning in April, from the economic fallout 11.6 per cent contraction in and that, hopefully, will mark sparked by the coronavirus growth for the period. the beginning of the end [of (COVID-19) pandemic, which Dr Clarke pointed out, the pandemic]. We fully expect will require the Government however, that Jamaica has that we are going to have a to focus on specific priorities. been able to weather the [growth] bounce in the April to “Our priorities are going to impact by virtue of the June quarter, another bounce centre around [but not] Government’s access to more in the June to September limited to, economic recovery, than $90 billion at the start of quarter and, indeed, for the maintaining a healthy 2020, which was accumulated 2021/22 fiscal year,” he said. population, protecting the mainly from privatisations, Dr Clarke noted that based vulnerable, and maintaining reintegration of public bodies, on its seven per cent out-turn the economic stability that has and fiscal overperformance. for the July to September 2020 allowed us to absorb the crisis “We had intended to use quarter, the construction in the way that we have,” Dr [those funds] to accelerate sector is expected to be pivotal Clarke outlined. debt repayment. Needless to to the recovery effort. He was speaking at a say, with the pandemic “We believe that session on the theme ‘Going [resulting in] reduced revenue construction-based recovery is for Growth: Creating and government facing likely to be our next and Economic Opportunities expenditure pressures for quickest way out [of the crisis] During Post COVID-19’, health, social, and economic and a viable means of during the 16th Jamaica Stock support, we drew down on providing the foundation on Exchange (JSE) Regional those cash reserves. That has which [Jamaica’s] economic Investments and Capital allowed us to respond to the recovery can thrive,” he added. Markets Conference, at The crisis, to absorb the shock, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel Clarke Emphasising the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New provide resources for health importance of maintaining the Kingston yesterday. and education and also to cognisant of “the nature of forecasts by local and prospects for growth, Dr Dr Clarke noted that provide unprecedented social what we face, of how quickly international agencies for a Clarke contended that “as long Jamaica, like many other support and, at the same time, certain dynamics can change return to growth beginning in as we remain focused and we countries, had been to keep nominal debt on an and, therefore, the need for the April to June quarter of approach the crisis with a significantly impacted by the even keel,” he further noted. absolute clarity and focus, and fiscal year 2021/22, degree of discipline, economic COVID-19 economic fallout. The minister, however, prioritization”. “conditioned, of course, on the recovery will be right around Among the outcomes, he cautioned persons to be Dr Clarke reiterated health dynamics not taking the corner”. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 15 Guyana Govt’s Bill removes jail time for up to 30 grams of marijuana THE Office of the Attorney General and Act for a maximum of six months. Minister of Legal Affairs has released the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill “Public work is defined by section 2 of 2021, which will see persons in possession the Extra-Mural Work Regulations, Reg. of 15 grams of cannabis or less sentenced 8 of 1998, to include any work on State or to counselling. Government land or any property “Under the new subsection (2A) the belonging to, or rented or leased to the possession of a quantity of cannabis or State or with the permission of a local any substance held out to be cannabis government authority,on any land or any which does not exceed fifteen grams is other property belonging to, or rented or punishable by mandatory counselling for leased to, the local government authority.” a period to be determined by the The bill also increases the quantity of counsellor,” the bill reads. cannabis that would automatically attract Currently, possession of 15 grams or a trafficking charge from 15 grams to more less could attract a trafficking charge with than 30 grams. a prison sentence between three to five It also removes the fine and prison term years, and a fine of no less than $30,000. for smoking, inhaling, sniffing, or The bill makes having up to 15 grams of otherwise using cannabis or for being cannabis an offence of simple possession. found in a place used for that purpose, or An amount over 15 grams, but no more being the owner, occupier, or concerned in than 30 grams, will attract community the management of any place used for service. This includes employment in a preparation of cannabis for that purpose. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall public work under the Extra-Mural Work However, while the clause removes the fine and jail time for smoking cannabis in places where cigarette smoking is also banned, it imposes a $10,000 fine for a Maduro’s ‘miracle’ treatment first offence and a $20,000 penalty for a second and subsequent offences. The bill also caters for those instances where an offender may refuse to consent for COVID-19 draws skeptics or breach an order of mandatory CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s ineffective and possibly dangerous. counselling or community service. The President Nicolás Maduro appears to be The new coronavirus hasn’t hit amended Act would grant the court the counting on yet another “miracle” to Venezuela as hard as other South discretion to order the offender to pay a save his citizens from COVID-19, American countries such as Brazil, fine of GY$250,000 where it sees fit. promoting a secretive solution with no Ecuador and Peru, though many The amendments are meant to reduce published scientific evidence he experts say that’s likely because the burden on the justice system, and also claims will conquer the new sanctions against Maduro’s covers issues like recidivism and prison coronavirus. government have sharply limited travel overcrowding. This would not only save “Ten drops under the tongue every there. the State money, but would also help to four hours and the miracle is done,” Maduro said the treatment, which he keep families together and rebuild Maduro said in a televised appearance called carvativir, has been under testing communities affected and disadvantaged on Sunday. “It’s a powerful antiviral, for nine months among Venezuelans ill by the incarceration of persons, especially very powerful, that neutralizes the with the coronavirus. He said he plans youth. coronavirus.” to distribute it nationwide and to other But his government has released no nations as well. evidence. He even kept secret the name Dr. David Boulware, professor of of the “brilliant Venezuelan mind” medicine and an infectious diseases PAHO expects behind it, saying he needed to protect physician at the University of them. Scientists at home and abroad Minnesota Medical School, noted the COVAX facility remained skeptical. The local National lack of scientific evidence. Academy of Medicine said it appeared “This is, just as with other things, vaccines to be be derived from the common herb people trying to sell, you know, some thyme. magic beans as the solution to a deployed in Latin It’s not the first time the Venezuelan complex problem,” Boulware told The leader has promoted a cure. In October, Associated Press on Tuesday. he notified the Pan American Health “This would be great if it worked, but America as of March Organization that Venezuelan I would like to see the data.” Venezuelan President Nicolas BRASILIA – The Pan American Health scientists discovered a molecule that Venezuela’s National Academy of Maduro speaks during a ceremony Organization (PAHO) expects the nullifies the replication capacity of the Medicine said “it’s prudent ... to wait for marking the start of the judicial year deployment of COVID-19 vaccine made new coronavirus. He hasn’t spoken of more data from the carvativir at the Supreme Court in Caracas, available for poorer countries through that development since. He’s also tests according to international Venezuela, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. the U.N.-led COVAX facility to start in promoted a special herbal tea he claims protocols.” March, with some 164 million doses. can fend off the virus and other Since October,Venezuela has been should do more to get Venezuelans PAHO assistant director Jarbas ailments. part of trials for the Sputnik V vaccine vaccinated sooner. She said colleagues Barbosa said on Wednesday that the Other leaders too have embraced from Russia, a staunch ally of Maduro’s at a local health center and some COVAX facility is expected to deploy 2 solutions dismissed by scientific government. Venezuela signed a neighbours have died from COVID-19. billion doses of vaccines made by studies. Former U.S. President Donald contract in December with Russia to “I’m of the mind that we need the producers that are pre-qualified with the Trump and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro both buy the vaccine, but inoculations aren’t vaccine, not these droplets,” she said. World Health Organization. So far that stubbornly touted an antimalarial drug scheduled to start until April. “I think that won’t have any is only Pfizer Inc of the United States, he despite repeated studies finding it Rosa Colina, 58, said authorities effect.” said. 16 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Unrest grows in crisis-hit Lebanon amid lockdown TRIPOLI, Lebanon – the end of its civil war in 1990. Lebanese security forces Tripoli, Lebanon’s second fired volleys of tear gas at largest city and its most rock-throwing youth in the impoverished, has been a center northern city of Tripoli for demonstrations and rioting yesterday amid outrage over against the country’s political the country’s coronavirus class. Smaller protests were lockdown and inaction of the reported Thursday and earlier in political class in the face of the week in Beirut and the economic collapse. eastern Bekaa region. The unrelenting protests in Even before the crises, almost Tripoli, now in their fourth day, the entire Tripoli workforce came as Lebanon grapples with depended on day-to-day income. both the pandemic and the worst A September study by CARE economic crisis in its history,with International in the city of over only a caretaker government in 250,000 found that the average A protester covers himself from flames during a protest against deteriorating living condi- charge. household income is 145,000 tions and strict coronavirus lockdown measures, in Tripoli, north Lebanon, yesterday. The protests resumed shortly Lebanese pounds – or less than after Omar Taibi, a 30-year-old US$20 at the current average volleys of tear gas and finally,live Two torched cars stood nearby. sparking a fire in a religious court who was shot by security forces black market rate – 33% of those ammunition. Shops and cafes were open and building within the compound. during protests on Wednesday sampled were unemployed. The National News Agency traffic appeared normal on the Hospitals in Lebanon are night, was laid to rest in Tripoli. Dozens of young men have said 226 people were injured in streets in clear defiance of the overwhelmed with COVID-19 More than 220 others were been taking part in the nightly the confrontations, including 26 government’s lockdown patients, reporting near full injured in the overnight clashes protests in Tripoli, throwing rocks policemen. Taibi, who was hit by measures. occupancy in intensive care-unit as frustrations boiled over. at security forces and in some a bullet, died of his wounds Before midnight, Lebanese Red beds. Oxygen, ventilators and The demonstrators denounced cases, torching vehicles. On yesterday, it said. Cross said 102 people were medicine are in short supply. Lebanon’s extended shutdown Wednesday,protesters repeatedly Earlier yesterday, security injured in the clashes, including More than 293,000 infections that has exacerbated already dire tried to break into the municipal forces brought reinforcements five who were hospitalized. The have been recorded since last conditions. The confluence of the building. Some lobbed hand and put up barbed wire around Internal Security Forces said February and 2,621 deaths – crises has posed the biggest grenades at security forces, who the municipal government some of the firebombs used by the including more than 1,000 in threat to Lebanon’s stability since responded with water cannons, compound, known as the Serail. protesters fell inside the Serail, January alone. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 17 Biden rescinds abortion restrictions on US foreign aid WASHINGTON – conference, or the “global health assistance are President Joe Biden gag rule” – has been a particularly harmful in yesterday rescinded a political ping-pong ball, light of the coronavirus regulation that barred bouncing back and forth disease 2019 pandemic.” U.S. foreign aid from between Republican and Accompanying Biden’s being used to perform Democratic presidents determination was a or promote abortions. since it was first enacted decision to restore funding His decision, while in 1985 during President to the United Nations expected, was cheered Ronald Reagan’s second Population Fund, which by abortion-choice term. Trump had ended over its advocates and some “These excessive alleged support for forced humanitarian groups conditions on foreign and abortions and and denounced by anti- development assistance sterilizations in China.The abortion groups. undermine the United fund has denied those The move also included a States’ efforts to advance allegations. The year President Joe Biden restoration of American gender equality globally by before Trump terminated funding to the U.N. restricting our ability to the funding, the U.S. had authoritarian. overall amount of U.S. improving women’s lives, Population Fund and support women’s health provided US$69 million to Critics of Trump’s health care aid was not while anti-abortion groups withdraws the U.S. from and programs that prevent the UNFPA. policies say they had hurt affected, critics maintain it denounced it as immoral an international accord and respond to gender- In addition, Biden women’s reproductive contributed to a rise in and unnecessary. that promotes anti- based violence,” Biden said directed the State health care and pregnancy-related Anti-abortion groups abortion policies.The steps in a memorandum to his Department and contributed to poverty complications as well other and lawmakers were came just a week after he Cabinet. Department of Health and worldwide. Supporters issues by forcing some equally as strident in their was inaugurated and “The expansion of the Human Services to argue they are essential to clinics to reduce broader condemnation. fulfills a campaign pledge policy has also affected all withdraw from the so- preserve the sanctity of health services, including “Funneling U.S. tax to reverse a policy that other areas of global health called Geneva Consensus, life. for HIV/AIDS, dollars to abortion groups previous Republican assistance, limiting the an October 2020 document Trump had expanded tuberculosis, malaria and overseas is an abhorrent presidents, including his United States’ ability to signed by 34 countries that the Mexico City rule to other infectious diseases, if practice that flies in the immediate predecessor, work with local partners sought to promote anti- include nearly all federal they wanted to retain face of the ‘unity’ Joe Biden Donald Trump, had around the world and abortion policies and health funding, but its funding. and Kamala Harris instated immediately on inhibiting their efforts to others deemed “pro-family” effects were felt most Reaction to Biden’s promised to inspire,” said taking office. confront serious health worldwide. The consensus abroad, where U.S. decision was swift and Marjorie Dannenfelser,the The policy – known as challenges such as had been co-sponsored by assistance can be an sharp, even before it was president of the Susan B. the “Mexico City” rule, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, the U.S. and was signed by essential part of a country’s officially announced. Anthony List, which seeks after the place where it and malaria, among numerous nations critics health care spending. Abortion-rights groups and to elect anti-abortion was first announced at an others,” he said. “Such consider to be Although supporters of Democratic lawmakers candidates to Congress international population restrictions on global undemocratic or the policy argue that the hailed it as key to and other offices. Bernie Sanders’ mittens, Biden opens sign-up memes help raise window for uninsured US$1.8M for charity in time of COVID-19 ABOUT those wooly and sold out by Monday mittens that U.S. Sen. morning, he said. WASHINGTON – Medicaid. Bernie Sanders wore to the “Jane and I were amazed President Joe Biden “There’s nothing new presidential inauguration, by all the creativity shown yesterday ordered that we’re doing here other sparking endless quirky by so many people over the government health than restoring the memes across social last week, and we’re glad insurance markets to Affordable Care Act and media? They’ve helped to we can use my internet reopen for a special sign- restoring Medicaid to the raise US$1.8 million in the fame to help Vermonters in up window, offering way it was before Trump last five days for charitable need,” Sanders said in a uninsured Americans a became president,” Biden organizations in Sanders’ written statement. haven as the spread of said as he signed the home state of Vermont, the Sanders’ mittens were COVID-19 remains directives in the Oval independent senator made by Jen Ellis,a dangerously high and Office. He declared he was announced Wednesday. Vermont elementary vaccines aren’t yet widely reversing “my predecessor’s The sum comes from the school teacher who has a available. attack on women’s health.” sale of merchandise with side business making Biden signed an The actions were only the the Jan. 20 image of him mittens out of recycled executive order directing first steps by Biden, who sitting with his arms and wool. His inauguration the HealthCare.gov has promised to build out legs crossed, clad in his look, also featuring the insurance markets to take former President Barack brown parka and recycled winter jacket made by new applications for Obama’s health care law to wool mittens. Burton Snowboards, subsidized benefits, achieve a goal of coverage Sanders put the first of sparked countless memes something Donald Trump’s for all. While Biden rejects the so-called “Chairman from the photo taken by administration had refused the idea of a government- Sanders” merchandise, Agence France-Presse:The to do.He also instructed his run system that Sen. including T-shirts, former presidential administration to consider Bernie Sanders has pushed sweatshirts and stickers, candidate could be found reversing other Trump for in his “Medicare for All” on his campaign website on social media timelines health care policies, proposal, his more centrist Thursday night and the taking a seat on the including curbs on abortion approach will require first run sold out in less subway, the moon and the Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders arrives for the counseling and the congressional buy-in. But than 30 minutes, he said. couch with the cast of 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol imposition of work opposition to “Obamacare” More merchandise was “Friends,” among other for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, requirements for low- runs deep among added over the weekend creative locales. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. income people getting Republicans. 18 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

NY undercounted nursing home deaths by thousands, AG says ALBANY, N.Y. – New York may Cuomo’s frequent argument that for example, had an official death have undercounted COVID- the criticism of his handling of toll of 11 but the attorney 19 deaths among nursing the virus in nursing homes was general’s probe found that 40 had home residents by thousands, part of a political “blame game,” actually died. the state attorney general and it was a vindication for AP’s analysis in August charged in a report yesterday thousands of families who concluded that the state could be that dealt a blow to Gov. believed their loved ones were understating deaths by as much Andrew Cuomo’s oft-repeated being omitted from counts to as 65%, based on discrepancies claims that his state is doing advance the governor’s image as between its totals and numbers better than others in a pandemic hero. being reported to federal protecting its most “It’s important to me that my regulators.That analysis was, like vulnerable. mom was counted,” said Vivian James’ report, based on only a The 76-page report found an Zayas, whose 78-year-old mother slice of data, rather than a undercount of more than 50%, died in April after contracting comprehensive look. backing up the findings of an COVID-19 at a nursing home in To date, despite public records Associated Press investigation West Islip, New York. “Families requests from the AP and last year that focused on the fact like mine knew these numbers repeated pleas from state and that New York is one of the only were not correct.” federal lawmakers, New York’s FILE – In this Jan. 11, 2021 file photo, New York Gov. Andrew states in the nation that count Cuomo’s office and the state health department has yet to Cuomo delivers his State of the State address virtually from residents who died on nursing health department have not produce the full number of The War Room at the state Capitol, in Albany, N.Y. home property and not those who responded to repeated requests nursing home residents who died later died in hospitals. for comment. in hospitals as well as the nursing future.” into nursing homes, which critics Such an undercount would James has for months been home property. Health Cuomo, who last fall released a contended was a driving factor in mean the state’s current official examining discrepancies between Commissioner Howard Zucker book touting his leadership in causing nursing home outbreaks. tally of 8,711 nursing home the number of deaths being has said several times that the dealing with the virus, has not James’ review also found that a deaths to the virus is actually reported by the state’s state is working on such data. been shy about using New York’s lack of infection controls at more than 13,000, boosting New Department of Health, and the State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, a lower nursing home death count nursing homes put residents at York from No. 6 to highest in the number of deaths reported by the Democrat who has blasted the to make the argument that his increased risk of harm, that nation. homes themselves. Cuomo administration for its state is doing better than others homes with lower federal scores “While we cannot bring back Her investigators looked at a incomplete death count, said he in caring for those in such for staffing had higher fatality the individuals we lost to this sample of 62 of the state’s roughly was “sadly unsurprised” by the facilities. rates, and that a broad measure crisis, this report seeks to offer 600 nursing homes. They report. “Families who lost loved The attorney general’s report Cuomo signed in April shielding transparency that the public reported 1,914 deaths of residents ones deserve honest answers,” also took aim at New York’s nursing homes and other health deserves,” Attorney General from COVID-19, while the state Rivera said.“For their sake, I hope controversial March 25 policy care providers from lawsuits may Letitia James said in a statement. Department of Health logged only that this report will help us unveil that sought to create more space have actually encouraged homes The report from a fellow 1,229 deaths at those same the truth and put policies in place in hospitals by releasing to hold back on hiring and Democratic official undercut facilities. One unnamed facility, to prevent such tragedies in the recovering COVID-19 patients training. Liquid nitrogen leak at Georgia poultry plant kills 6 GAINESVILLE, Ga, – A liquid odorless gas that’s capable of nitrogen leak at a northeast displacing oxygen. That means Georgia poultry plant killed six leaks in enclosed spaces can people yesterday, with multiple become deadly by pushing away others taken to the hospital, breathable air, according to the officials said. U.S. Chemical Safety Board. At least three of those injured Workers who had fled the at the Foundation Food Group plant were gathered outside plant in Gainesville were when firefighters responded to reported in critical condition. the leak yesterday morning, Poultry plants rely on Bracket said. refrigeration systems that can “Once the units arrived, they include liquid nitrogen. found a large contingent of Firefighters, the U.S. employees that had evacuated, Occupational Safety and Health along with multiple victims that Administration and the state fire were in that crowd that were marshal were investigating the also experiencing medical cause of the leak. emergencies around the facility,” “It was a leak of unknown Brackett told reporters in a cause that has occurred in the televised news briefing. system here,” Hall County Fire Beth Downs, a spokesperson Department Division Chief Zach for Northeast Georgia Health Brackett said.“We still have a lot System, said five people died at A Hall County Sheriff guards the entrance to the campus of Free Chapel, a church where of information we’re trying to the plant and one person died in about 130 workers were taken by bus to be examined for injuries following a liquid nitrogen gather from the scene.” the emergency room. leak at nearby Prime Pak Foods in Gainesville, Ga. A liquid nitrogen leak at the northeast Foundation Food Group Vice Eleven other injured patients Georgia poultry plant killed six people yesterday, with multiple others taken to the hospital, President for Human Resources were treated for respiratory officials said. Nicholas Ancrum called the leak symptoms at the hospital, a tragic accident and said early including three in critical released. Brackett said about 130 Georgia’s poultry industry – the indications are that a nitrogen condition, health system At least four firefighters were workers were taken by bus to a nation’s largest – and has line ruptured in the facility. spokesman Sean Couch said. He injured and taken to the hospital nearby church where they were thousands of employees When leaked into the air, said five were in fair condition with what Brackett described as examined for injuries. working in multiple processing liquid nitrogen vaporizes into an and three were treated and respiratory complaints. Gainesville is the center of plants. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 19

Pakistan court orders accused WHO says team in Wuhan to visit labs, in Daniel Pearl’s death freed markets and hospitals ISLAMABAD – attacks on the United WUHAN, China – A World city where the virus Pakistan’s Supreme States, said he had killed Health Organization-led emerged in late 2019. Court ordered Pearl. team investigating the The mission has been yesterday the release of “I decapitated with my origins of the COVID-19 plagued by delays, concern a Pakistani-British man blessed right hand the pandemic will meet over access and bickering convicted and later head of the American Jew Chinese scientists today between China and the acquitted in the Daniel Pearl,” the and plans to visit labs, United States, which has beheading of American transcript quoted markets and hospitals in accused China of hiding journalist Daniel Pearl Mohammed as saying. Wuhan, the WHO said. the extent of the initial in 2002. Mohammad first disclosed The team left its outbreak and criticised the The court also dismissed his role while he was held quarantine hotel in terms of the visit, under an appeal of Ahmad Saeed in CIA custody and Wuhan yesterday to begin which Chinese experts Omar Sheikh’s acquittal subjected to field work, two weeks after conducted the first phase filed by Pearl’s family and waterboarding, sleep arriving in the Chinese of research. the Pakistani government. deprivation and other A minister in the Sindh forms of torture. He province where Sheikh is remains in the U.S. prison Germany recommends being held said the in Guantanamo Bay and government had has never been charged AstraZeneca COVID-19 exhausted all options to with the journalist’s death. keep him locked up – an Sheikh had long denied indication that Sheikh any involvement in Pearl’s shot only for under 65s could be free within days. death, but the Supreme BERLIN – AstraZeneca’s based on the same trial The “Supreme Court is the Court on Wednesday heard COVID-19 vaccine should data published by medical court of last resort,” that he acknowledged only be given to people aged journal The Lancet on Dec Murtaza Wahab, Sindh’s writing a letter in 2019 between 18 and 64, 8. law minister, told The admitting a minor role – Germany’s vaccine The European Union Associated Press. raising hopes for some that committee said in a draft approved a vaccine “The Pearl family is in FILE - In this March 29, 2002 file photo, Ahmed Omar he might remain behind recommendation, a day developed by Pfizer and its complete shock by the Saeed Sheikh, the alleged mastermind behind Wall bars. ahead of a decision by German partner BioNTech majority decision of the Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl’s kidnap- Sheikh has been on European regulators on in late December, and gave Supreme Court of slaying, appears at the court in Karachi, Pakistan. death row since his whether to approve the the green light to a shot Pakistan to acquit and conviction – even after his drugmaker’s shot. made by Moderna in early release Ahmed Omer report told of the gruesome to blow up a flight from subsequent acquittal – and “There are currently January. On Monday, the Sheikh and the other details of the Wall Street Paris to Miami with is currently being held in a insufficient data available drugmaker denied that its accused persons who Journal reporter’s killing explosives hidden in his Karachi jail.A three-judge to assess the vaccine COVID-19 vaccine is not kidnapped and killed and dismemberment. shoes. Supreme Court ruled 2 to 1 efficacy from 65 years of very effective for people Daniel Pearl,” the Pearl Sheikh was convicted of Pearl’s body was to uphold Sheikh’s age,” the committee, also over 65, after German family said in a statement helping lure Pearl to a discovered in a shallow acquittal and ordered him known as Stiko, said in a media reports said officials released by their lawyer, meeting in the southern grave soon after a video of released, according to the draft resolution made fear the vaccine may not be Faisal Siddiqi. Pakistani port city of his beheading was Pearl family lawyer. available by the German approved in the European The brutality of Pearl’s Karachi, during which he delivered to the U.S. A lawyer for Sheikh said health ministry yesterday. Union for use in the elderly. killing shocked many in was kidnapped. Pearl had Consulate in Karachi. the court also ordered the “The AstraZeneca AstraZeneca Chief 2002, years before the been investigating the link The Pentagon in 2007 release of three other vaccine, unlike the mRNA Executive Pascal Soriot Islamic State group began between Pakistani released a transcript in Pakistanis who had been vaccines, should only be said the company had less releasing videos of their militants and Richard C. which Khalid Sheikh sentenced to life in prison offered to people aged 18-64 data than other militants beheading Reid, dubbed the “shoe Mohammad, the alleged for their part in Pearl’s years at each stage,” it drugmakers on the elderly journalists. An autopsy bomber” after his attempt mastermind of the 9/11 kidnapping and death. added. because it started vacci- Stiko’s assessment was nating older people later. Brokerages limit trading in Novavax vaccine seems South Africa’s GameStop, sparking outcry effective against ROBINHOOD and other before closing down 43.2% retail brokerages are at US$197.44. military ends hijab taking steps to tamp down Robinhood said COVID in UK study the speculative frenzy yesterday that investors Novavax Inc. said interim analysis found 62 surrounding companies would only be able to sell Thursday that its COVID- participants so far have ban for Muslims such as GameStop, but the their positions and not 19 vaccine appears 89% been diagnosed with SOUTH Africa’s military as a clinical forensic actions only sparked more open new ones in some effective based on early COVID-19 – only six of has changed its dress pathologist at a military volatility in the market cases. Robinhood will also findings from a British them in the group that got policy to allow Muslim hospital, told the Cape and an outcry from users of require investors to put up study and that it also vaccine and the rest who women to wear hijabs with Times it was a victory not the platforms and some more of their own money seems to work – though not received dummy shots. their uniforms. only for her, but all people members of Congress who for certain trades instead quite as well – against new The infections occurred It is a victory for Maj who were “silently say small investors are of using borrowed funds. mutated strains of the at a time when Britain was Fatima Isaacs, who led a victimised” because of their being treated unfairly. Robinhood’s stated goal virus circulating in that experiencing a jump in three-year legal battle for religion. GameStop stock has is to “democratize” country and South Africa. COVID-19 caused by a her religious right to wear She also thanked the rocketed from below investing and to bring The announcement more contagious variant.A a headscarf beneath her Legal Resource Centre US$20 earlier this month more regular people into comes amid worry about preliminary analysis found military beret. (LRC), a rights group to close around US$350 investing. The company whether a variety of over half of the trial The change of heart which took up her case in Wednesday as a volunteer has forced huge, ground- vaccines being rolled out participants who became comes after the military 2019. army of investors on social shaking changes for the around the world will be infected had the mutated dropped charges against After military charges media challenged big brokerage industry, such strong enough to protect version. The numbers are Maj Isaacs for wearing were dropped last year, it institutions who had as its decision to charge against worrisome new very small but Novavax one. was agreed that Maj placed market bets that zero commissions for variants – and also the said they suggest the She had faced dismissal Isaacs could wear a the stock would fall. customers trading stocks world needs new types of vaccine is nearly 96% for “wilful defiance and headscarf that was tight, The action was even and exchange-traded shoots to boost scarce effective against the older disobeying a lawful did not cover her ears and wilder yesterday: The funds. That’s why some supplies.The study of coronavirus and nearly command” for refusing to which was plain in colour - stock swung between users took yesterday’s 15,000 people in Britain is 86% effective against the remove it. though the dress code did US$112 and US$483 actions as an affront. still underway. But an new variant. Maj Isaacs, who works not officially change. 20 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Michael Strahan tests Pamela Anderson positive for COVID-19 secretly married ichael Strahan, of ABC’s “Good Morning America” has tested to her bodyguard Mpositive for coronavirus, his co-host Robin Roberts said on the show PAMELA ANDERSON is a married yesterday, after several days of not woman. appearing on the broadcast. The former TV star and her “We know that you have noticed that bodyguard, Dan Hayhurst, tied the Michael has not been here with us this knot on Christmas Eve at her home week,” said Roberts. “He wanted us to on Vancouver Island, a representative let you know that he has tested for Anderson confirmed to CNN. positive for COVID and is at home, “I was married on the property quarantining right now.” I bought from my grandparents 25 However she also noted that he is years ago, this is where my parents doing well and plans to return to the were married and they are still show. together. I feel like I’ve come full Fellow GMA co-host George circle,” she told the Daily Mail. Stephanopoulos added that the hosts of A source close to the actress told the show follow COVID-19 protocols CNN, “Pamela is the happiest she’s and procedures required by ABC’s par- ever been and Dan’s on cloud nine. ent company, Disney, that all cast and He married the literal girl of his Pamela Anderson and her bodyguard, crew are required to observe. The ABC morning show co-host and Pro dreams.” Dan Hayhurst, tied the knot on “All of us here — both in front of the Football Hall of Famer is said to be The news comes less than a year Christmas Eve at her home camera and behind the scenes – have doing well and quarantining. after she reportedly married Jon on Vancouver Island. been cleared by Disney to be here after Peters for 12 days, something she contact tracing and following CDC show remotely during the NFC later disputed in a interview with She was previously married to Rick guidelines,” Stephanopoulos said. Championship. The New York Times: “I wasn’t mar- Solomon twice, once in 2007 and 2013. According to Variety, Strahan, 49, Prior to becoming part of GMA, he ried. No ... I’m a romantic. I think I’m Anderson also married and divorced started his work on GMA in 2014 and played defensive end for the New York an easy target. And I think people Kid Rock in 2006. Her first marriage joined the show full time in 2016. He Giants from 1993 to 2007 and became just live in fear ... I don’t know what was to Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee in also provides NFL analysis for "Fox a Pro Football Hall of Fame member in that was about, but I think fear really 1995; together they had two children NFL Sunday" and appeared on that 2014. played a lot into it.” and divorced in 1998.

Wendy Williams reveals all in new lifetime doc, biopic GET ready for a double dose of Wendy Williams as a woman with resilience. “My cats. They’re not people but Williams as she gives her fans a front- “She does it with flair and finesse.” they’re like people to me. We quaran- row seat to her controversial and For Williams, the star actress believes tined together. I’ve only had them for a drama-filled life’s story on Lifetime! that her back-to-back Lifetime pre- year and they see it all,” she says. “In Tomorrow, fans will have a front-row mieres will be a healing experience and reality, no one person knows me best. I seat into the details of the talk show thinks that the audience will go on the show certain sides of myself to various host and former radio DJ’s rise to fame same journey. people and that’s not a big panel of in “Wendy Williams: The Movie” star- “It’s a closure experience for her,” people.” ring actress Ciera Payton as Williams. Payton notes. “I can certainly say it was The New Jersey native and “shock Immediately following the film, the same for me. There were some jock” media personality has hosted her Williams takes over explaining the emo- things that I had to have some closure nationally syndicated television talk tional toll of discovering the details with and really address in my personal show,The Wendy Williams Show, since about her ex-husband’s infidelities and life and this movie allowed me to do 2008, which has been renewed through her tumultuous marriage played out in that.” the 2021-2022 season by Fox Television the tabloids, her coveted career from And when it comes to hearing from Stations. She has been nominated four local radio to television icon, and her those who know Williams the best, the times for a Daytime Emmy for rise to success in her documentary “Queen of Hot Topics” reveals in an in- Outstanding Talk Show Host and con- Wendy Williams: What a Mess!. terview with BET.com that while noth- tinues to be a hot topic no matter how “She’s all the things that we have ing is off limits in the movie and docu- hard she tries not to. made so taboo in our society, especially mentary, she doesn’t let people into her Wendy Williams: The Movie pre- as a woman. She is assertive, she knows inner circle easily. However, there are mieres on Saturday, January 30 at 8 PM how to speak up, she’s okay with letting two sources of comfort for her now that ET, and the Wendy Williams: What a Wendy Williams gives her fans a front- her opinion be known,” Payton says in she has restarted her life at 56-years old Mess! documentary premieres directly row seat to her controversial and an interview with BET.com describing in a lavish Manhattan bachelorette pad. after at 10 PM ET. drama-filled life’s story.

Jane Fonda to Receive Cecil B. DeMille Award at 2021 Golden Globes JANE FONDA is set to receive a long- However, it seems it’s her political ac- her the highest level of recognition, and Streep, Denzel Washington, George deserved honour. The acclaimed actress tivism and dedication to causes that are while her professional life has taken Clooney and many others. and her illustrious career will be cele- important to her that have really many turns, her unwavering commit- Last year,Tom Hanks took home the brated with the coveted Cecil B. DeMille earned her the award. ment to evoking change has remained,” honour, and was nearly brought to tears Award at this year’s Golden Globes. “The Hollywood Foreign Press Star continued. “We are honored to during his acceptance speech while The Hollywood Foreign Press Association takes great pride in bestow- celebrate her achievements at the 2021 thanking his loving family. Association announced on Tuesday that ing the 2021 Cecil B. DeMille Award to Golden Globe Awards.” “A man is blessed with a family sit- the 83-year-old screen star will be hon- Jane Fonda,” HFPA President Ali Sar Hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, ting up front like that,” Hanks said, get- oured with the prestigious award, which said in a statement released to ET. the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards ting choked up.“A wife that is fantastic was created to recognise a star’s “out- “For more than five decades, Jane’s will air live on NBC Sunday, February in every way and taught me what love standing contributions to the world of breadth of work has been anchored in 28, at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT from The is, five kids who are braver, stronger entertainment.” her unrelenting activism, using her Beverly Hilton Hotel. and wiser than their old man is, and a With Fonda’s seven Golden Globe platform to address some of the Named after the legendary director, loving group of people who have put up wins – out of a total of 15 nominations most important social issues of our previous winners of the Cecil B. DeMille with me being away months and throughout her career – there are few time.” Award include Hollywood icons such as months at a time... I can’t tell you how stars more deserving of the honour. “Her undeniable talent has gained Jeff Bridges, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl much your loves means to me.” The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 21

Jennifer Lopez addresses Botox speculation

ennifer Lopez has spoken out to set the record straight on speculation Jthat she has had Botox, saying to her detractors, “Please don’t call me a liar.” It comes after the star, 51, made headlines for her response to an Instagram user who cast doubt over how she achieves her youthful looks. Lopez had posted a video on the social media site, showing her glowing skin after saying she had used a face mask from her own beauty range, which sparked the exchange. Now, in an interview with People magazine in the US, the singer and ac- Emma Roberts snuggles up with baby Rhodes.. tress has said she could not let the com- ment – which said the star had “defi- nitely” had “tons” of Botox – go without Jennifer Lopez. responding. “I don’t judge anybody,” Lopez said in beauty secrets is that I try to be kind to Emma Roberts shares first the interview.“If you want to do Botox others and lift up other women. and injectables, that’s fine! But I don’t “I think that that is important for us want people lying on me and saying, to do for each other instead of trying to glimpse of newborn son ‘Oh, she’s trying to make believe that tear people down.” this stuff works’. In her original response to the EMMA ROBERTS is giving fans a peek tioned the shot. “No, I’m telling you what I do that Instagram commenter, Lopez responded at her baby boy! The 29-year-old actress Kate Hudson and Nikki Reed left works! Please don’t call me a liar. I don’t by saying: “LOL thats just my face!!! took to Instagram on Monday to share a heart emojis in the comment section, have to lie about things. I’ve been pretty ….For the 500 millionth time… I have sweet snap with her son, Rhodes, whom while Ashley Tisdale gushed that the honest about my whole life.” never done Botox or any injectables or she welcomed in December with her photo was “heart melting.” Lopez, who is renowned for her age- surgery!! Just sayin.” boyfriend, Garrett Hedlund. Earlier this month, Roberts shared defying looks, said that if she had had Since then, she’s been making head- In the precious pic, a smiling Roberts the first pic of her son, though his face Botox, she would admit it. lines for a different reason – after per- snuggles up with baby Rhodes while wasn’t visible in the shot. The sweet “If I had, I would say,‘Yeah, you’re forming at President Joe Biden’s inau- reading Joan Didion’s latest book, “Let photo featured an orange dress-clad right’, but I don’t want people going, guration. Me Tell You What I Mean”. Roberts looking lovingly at Rhodes as ‘Stop lying, you’re doing this, you’re She performed a medley of “This The black-and-white photo provides she held him in her arms. doing that’, when that’s just not true,” Land Is Your Land” and “America The fans the first glimpse at Rhodes’ face, “Thank you 2020 for getting one she said. Beautiful” at the ceremony, which also whose adorable profile is visible as he thing right,” she wrote alongside the “I just felt it had to be set straight, saw Lady Gaga delivering an emotional rests on his mom’s chest. pic. “Our bright light Rhodes Robert but in a loving way.And one of my big rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. “Rhodes meet Joan,” Roberts cap- Hedlund.” Serena Williams says Daughter Olympia is a ‘perfectionist’ on court

SERENA WILLIAMS’ three-year-old ing a racket on the court, writing, daughter, Olympia, seems to be fol- “Turn, back, reach, head, follow lowing in her mom’s athletic footsteps through.” without any urging on her part. The Williams shared with Colbert that 39-year-old tennis champ appeared on she originally wanted to shield her Monday’s “The Late Show With and husband Alexis Ohanian’s daugh- Stephen Colbert” where she talked ter from the sport for several reasons. about Olympia taking up tennis dur- “It’s all consuming. It’s stressful. It’s ing the coronavirus pandemic. a lot of work. It’s a huge commitment, “She’s a perfectionist on the court. and it might be a little dab of pres- I’m not quite sure where she got that sure on her,” the 23 Grand Slam title from, but yeah, she loves it,”Williams winner teased. “I wouldn’t naturally said, laughing. “I never thought I put her in it, but if that was some- would let my daughter play tennis, thing that she wanted to do, I would but then during this pandemic, it was absolutely be like, ‘Oh my gosh, you the only thing that we could do safely should totally do that.’ And I’d be so I’m like, well, tennis it is.” rooting for her and supporting her, Earlier this month, Williams shared this epic photo of little Olympia wielding a Earlier this month, Williams shared but it wouldn’t be the first thing that racket on the court, writing, ‘Turn, back, reach, head, follow through.’ an epic photo of little Olympia wield- I would do.” 22 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Elliot Page, wife Emma Portner are getting divorced lliot Page and Emma Portner are traordinary woman my wife,” Page getting divorced. captioned his Instagram post, tagging E the dancer and choreographer. The couple announced the decision in Portner, a Broadway Dance Center a statement to CNN on Tuesday. teacher, and the actor began dating “After much thought and careful con- in 2017. sideration, we have made the difficult The news comes two months after decision to divorce following our separa- Page came out as transgender. At the tion last summer. We have the utmost time Portner posted a supportive mes- respect for each other and remain close sage on Instagram, “I am so proud of friends.” @elliotpage. Trans, queer and non-bi- Their split comes three years after nary people are a gift to this world. I they announced that they tied the knot also ask for patience & privacy but that in 2018, Instagramming a series of you join me in the fervent support of three pics, which included one of their trans life every single day. Elliot’s exis- Elliot Page and Emma Portner are getting divorced. The couple announced the wedding bands and a black-and-white tence is a gift in and of itself. Shine decision in a statement to CNN on Tuesday. "After much thought and careful photo of them together in the woods. on sweet E. Love you consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce following our “Can’t believe I get to call this ex- so much.” separation last summer. Ioan Gruffudd, wife Alice Evans release joint statement about ‘incredibly difficult’ split IOAN GRUFFUDD and his wife Alice “And hell yes when I am being gaslit Evans have vowed to ‘remain commit- and mentally tortured then hell yes ted to their children’ amid their I will wash my linen in public”, how- explosive split. ever this tweet was also deleted later The united front follows an extraor- on. dinary 24 hours, which saw a series of tweets posted by the actress - and Criticism subsequently deleted - claiming her After the now-deleted message, she husband was leaving the family and was then criticised by a follower, who Actor Ioan Gruffudd and wife Alice Evans have vowed to ‘remain committed to she was being ‘gaslit and mentally penned, ‘Seems like a weird thing to our children’ after it emerged he was leaving her. tortured’. be posting on Twitter’. Alice, 49, also accused Ioan, 47, of In response, in a message Alice re- Background During the early stages of his ca- hacking her Twitter account to delete sponded writing, “Why? I have lost my The couple met on the set of “102 reer, the star lived with fellow actor the original tweets stating he was mind”. Dalmatians” in 2000, when Alice was Matthew Rhys – who served as best leaving her and their daughters Ella, One follower then penned, “I did the in a relationship with Pablo Picasso’s man at his wedding – for nearly 11, and Elsie, seven, because he ‘no same when this happened to me.I grandson Olivier. ten years. longer loves’ her. think it’s how one acknowledges The pair became engaged six years Ioan is best known for his roles in A statement released to MailOnline there’s no returning to what existed later after she gave him an ultimatum “Fantastic 4”, “W” and “Horrible from the couple reads, “As you can before. Accepting it by stating it pub- about their relationship, and tied the Bosses”, while Alice has starred in imagine, this is an incredibly difficult licly helps you to recognize the impos- knot in an intimate ceremony in “The Vampire Diaries”, “The time for our family and we remain sibility [of] reconciliation.” Mexico in September 2007. Originals” and “Dangerous Parking”. committed to our children. Thank you She then responded, “This is exactly Alice was born in New Jersey to Their story began as a picture-per- for respecting our privacy.” why. And than you. Six months of har- British parents, teacher Janet and fect couple, young actors showing The couple have been married for rassment: yes/no/maybe. I cannot live university lecturer and mathemati- equal promise and a matching, almost 13 years and together for two decades. like this anymore”. cian David. impossible, beauty. In a telling sign, last February Ioan She was raised in Bristol with her The deal was sealed with a New Tweets spoke of their relationship struggling brothers Anthony and Philip, and Year’s Eve proposal delivered via a Alice took to Twitter on Monday to as he told The Guardian, ‘I think temporarily worked in Paris after Cartier engagement ring set into an share the ‘sad news’, stating Ioan said we’ve struggled the past four years, studying Italian and French at the ice cube in a Mojito cocktail. he ‘no longer loves her’ and has left making time for each other because University College London. “Angel, will you do the marrying her young daughters feeling ‘very physically we’re apart.’ Ioan’s mother Gillian and father thing?” were the fond words chosen sad’. The couple’s daughters were con- Peter were also educators, and the that night in Cuba. The original statement was later ceived through IVF after discovering Amazing Grace star grew up in a It’s ended now with a howl of pain, deleted, with Alice alleging that it was Alice had a low antral follicle count at Protestant non-conformist household and accusations of lies, ‘gaslighting’ her estranged husband who had the age of 38. with his younger siblings Alun, 45, and ‘mental torture’ made via Twitter taken to her account and removed the They welcomed their first child and Siwan, 40, in Cardiff. in the small hours. message. after one round of IVF, while their He first featured in Welsh TV film Indeed, the drama surrounding the She posted another Twitter mes- youngest girl arrived after eight Austin at the age of 13, before he at- sudden collapse of Ioan Gruffudd’s 13- sage, reading, ‘Hi there. I didn’t delete rounds of treatment – which costs tended the Royal Academy of year-marriage to actress Alice Evans the tweet from a few hours ago about upwards of Dramatic Art in London and appeared would scarcely be out of place in one him leaving. He did. From my £7 000. in TV shows and films such as of the twisted domestic dramas he has account... Poldark, Titanic and Hornblower. been starring in recently. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 23

Calypso great Singing Sandra passes on

HE calypso fraternity has lost one of it's most powerful voices and another one of the greats with certainly one of it's most dedicated Tthe passing of Sandra Des soldiers. Sandra was one of the finest Vignes-Millington better known as exponents of the artform she loved “Singing Sandra”, but who many with all her heart. She certainly lovingly referred to as “Mother”. left some strong messages in the Persons from the region and wonderful work she produced during wider Diaspora woke up to the news her outstanding career and will be yesterday morning that the calypso sadly missed from the calypso stage. icon died on Wednesday night. She I want to extend condolences to her was 64. family and loved ones. May she Singing Sandra was the first Rest in Peace and sing with the female calypsonian to win the angels” Calypso Monarch title twice – in Barbadian entertainer Rupee said, 1999 and in 2003. Dignified, regal, mother! The world Born Sandra Des Vignes in 1957, has lost a true Warrior Queen of Singing Sandra was a gifted calypson- Calypso! Rest In Peace to Singing ian who inspired generations with her Sandra, a giant beam of light and powerful, vibrant performances and support in the cultural bridge of beautifully adorned in African dress. Caribbean Music. Grateful for the She made her mark on calypso many opportunities I’ve had to culture with heartfelt renditions share the stage with you to learn of timeless hits like “Die With My from and be blessed by your musical, Dignity,” “Voices from the Ghetto,” motherly love and wisdom!” and “Song for Healing,” which Soca Queen Alison Hinds said highlighted issues such as gender- “...She was a true icon, she set our based discrimination and classism standards and her voice taught us in Trinidad and Tobago. to raise our own. the heavens have Tributes flowed from across the added an amazing spirit to their region and right here in Barbados, as choirs today.” many artistes expressed shock that Lead singer of the band Krosfyah the cultural icon’s voice has been Edwin Yearwood said, “...Such a silenced. positive spirit, we are going to miss Cultural ambassador Dr. Stedson you but you’ve left us with some Calypso great Sandra Des Vignes-Millington better known as ‘Singing Sandra’ “RPB” Wiltshire while paying tribute very beautiful offerings that will sadly died on Wednesday night at the age of 64. said, “ The calypso fraternity has lost assure that you live on.” (JH) Oscar-winner US actress Cloris Leachman dies aged 94

US actress Cloris Leachman, who won In her speech, she infamously told an Oscar for “The Last Picture Show” the audience, “I’m having an amazing and brought her comedic talents to life and it isn’t over yet. numerous US sitcoms, has died at the “I feel I’ve fought all my life against age of 94. clichés, and look at me, I’m a hopeless Leachman died of natural causes at cliché.” her home in California, with her Paying tribute to the actress, the daughter by her side, her publicist Academy, which oversees the Oscars, confirmed. described Leachman as a “comedy Her memorable roles included Phyllis legend”. on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, and “From a ground-breaking role on The Frau Blücher in “Young Frankenstein”. Mary Tyler Moore Show to the films of Reese Witherspoon said she would be Mel Brooks and her Oscar-winning “deeply missed”, while Mel Brooks de- turn in Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last scribed her as “insanely talented”. Picture Show, she never lost her ability Leachman enjoyed a long career as a to shock, delight and surprise us,” they character actress, portraying Ida in said. “She will be missed.” “Malcolm in the Middle” and Timmy’s Leachman won eight Emmy Awards mother in the “Lassie” series. across her television career – a record She also played Ellen DeGeneres’ for any actor, which she jointly holds mother in her sitcom The Ellen Show, with Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus. which aired in the early 2000s. Writing on Twitter, Louis-Dreyfus DeGeneres, who went on to become a said:, “Cloris Leachman’s perfect per- hugely successful talk show host, formance as Frau Blücher had an enor- tweeted, “I always considered myself mous impact on my life. She was sub- lucky for having the chance to work lime. ‘He vas my boyfriend!’ RIP.” with her. She will be missed.” Director Mel Brooks also praised her Over her career Leachman, who was turn as the grim-faced Transylvanian Cloris Leachman won a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in the 1971 once a beauty queen, also starred in housekeeper Blücher – whose very film ‘The Last Picture Show’. films “Butch Cassidy And The name struck fear into horses – in his Sundance Kid” and “Crazy Mama”. 1974 comedy “Young Frankenstein” as whinny I will forever think of Cloris’ sorely missed. RIP Cloris Leachman! “unforgettable”. unforgettable Frau Blucher. She is irre- Godspeed.” ‘Comedy legend’ He tweeted, “Such sad news – Cloris placeable, and will be greatly missed.” Another Oscar-winner, Reese Her performance as a neglected house- was insanely talented. She could make Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis Witherspoon, said, “Truly original and wife in “The Last Picture Show” saw you laugh or cry at the drop of a hat. said she grew up watching Leachman, larger than life in every unique her win best supporting actress at the “[She was] always such a pleasure to adding, “Your consistent excellence, performance. An incredibly talented Oscars. have on set. Every time I hear a horse ability to morph, and bravery will be actress who will be deeply missed.” 24 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Netflix says drama Bridgerton is its ‘biggest series ever’

STARS of the period Netflix defines a “view” drama Bridgerton have as any piece of content thanked fans after watched for at least two Netflix announced that minutes – meaning its the show had become numbers are not compa- its “biggest series ever”. rable to traditional TV The streaming giant viewing figures. said 82 million house- Netflix said Bridgerton holds around the world had made the top 10 in tuned into the show in its every country it operates first 28 days online, sur- in except Japan, and had passing the firm’s own propelled the books it is projections. based on into the New The show hit the num- York Times bestseller ber one spot in 83 coun- list for the first time. tries, including the US, The previous record for UK, India, France and most-watched debut se- Brazil. ries on the platform was Bridgerton star Phoebe held by fantasy drama Dynevor described the The Witcher, which news as “utterly insane”. Daphne and Simon, portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor Netflix said was watched “I’m SO proud of the in- and Regé-Jean Page, are the main love interests in by 76 million households credible team behind this the show. in its first 28 days. show! And thank you Jinny Howe, vice-presi- guys for loving it,” the show at the end of a year while their raunchy sex dent of original series at 25-year-old actor, who marked by coronavirus. scenes raised some eye- Netflix, said Bridgerton played Daphne Bridger- Adapted from a series brows. “defies tradition, and ton, wrote on Instagram. of historical romance nov- Executive producer demonstrates that period Regé Jean Page, whose els by author Julia Shonda Rhimes was dramas are not limited in performance as love in- Quinn, the drama follows widely praised for her scope or audience”. terest the Duke of members of the “colour-blind casting” “The empowerment of Hastings won him fans Bridgerton family as they which put black actors in people of colour and around the world, also navigate London’s high the type of historical women made Bridgerton celebrated the news. society in the 1800s. roles that were tradition- feel accessible and con- Bridgerton’s colourful However it was Page ally filled by white actors. temporary, resonating costumes, wisteria- and Dynevor’s depictions The show was designed with audiences all fronted homes and enter- of the Duke and for today’s millennial and around the world,” she taining storylines were Duchess’s tumultuous re- Gen Z audiences and has wrote in a blog post. celebrated globally as lationship that cata- been described as a The show has been re- Bridge many fans turned to the pulted them to fame Regency-era Gossip Girl. newed for a second series. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 25 SSPPOORRTTSS Simmons: West Indies have to adapt Jermaine Blackwood looking for big runs

WEST INDIES head February 3–7 at ZACS, However, being able to coach Phil Simmons Chattogram. understand the condi- said the experience be- “The experience in the tions and adapting will be tween the ODI squad Test squad is a big differ- a key factor in the out- and the Test team ence,” said Simmons. “You come of the match. are vastly different as may have one or two Simmons also said that they prepare to take debutantes in the Test “an understanding as to on Bangladesh in the team as opposed to the how they will bat in these Test match from ODI squad that had 10.” upcoming games and put their plans into place” will be vital for the bats- men if they want to get runs. With three frontline fast bowlers in Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph and Shannon Gabriel in what many expect to be spin-friendly conditions, Simmons said that it will also be about knowing and learning how to ad- just. “A wicket is only as easy as you make it out to be,” said Simmons, though he highlighted West Indies head coach, Phil Simmons. the final make-up of the team for the Test match Blackwood, who has you score a century? How time he put in the hard has not been decided. been in the runs since his many deliveries did you work. With the batsmen return to the senior team, face?’ I said I faced 212 “On the sidelines, I did working hard with the ex- believes that spending balls. some work on my mental pectation of Bangladesh time in the middle and “He said, ‘That’s it, once space. I trained twice a unleashing their spinners facing over 200 balls or you can bat some balls, day and hit the gym every in the Test match, 300 balls will surely see you’re going to score day. I put in a lot of hard Simmons said that they him scoring runs. runs.’ So I took a big thing work to be as fit as possi- have been “facing as The middle order West from that. After that con- ble. I tried to come back much of our spinners and Indian batsman said that versation, I tell myself as strong as possible. You net bowlers as possible he got some advice from that once I can bat over can see the results. I am and trying to work out India’s captain Virat 200 or 300 balls, the way better at my shot selec- how they will play the Kohli through social I bat, I can score runs tion, I am starting to Bangladesh spinners”. media as well as the last regardless of who I am understand my game One batsman who has time India toured the playing against or where very well.” been in good form Caribbean. I am playing.” Blackwood said he recently is Jermaine “I asked him about But before returning will look to put bowlers Blackwood, who said that how I have a lot of half- to the senior team, under pressure, but will occupation of the middle centuries and [only] one Blackwood spent three be mentally preparing for Jermaine Blackwood. (SOURCE: OFFICIAL TWITTER HANDLE OF JERMAINE will be one of the key fac- century. He just said, years trying to get back to the slow nature of the BLACKWOOD (@JBLACKWOOD100)) tors to scoring runs. ‘What will you do when the top and during that pitches. (CG) CWI and ESPN+ agree groundbreaking five-year USA Media Rights deal for West Indies cricket ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – rights income is crucial national West Indies also includes CWI’s mar- escricket.com). schedule over the next Cricket West Indies to the future financial home series covering all quee regional 50-over Johnny Grave, CWI’s few years is second to (CWI) has finalised a sustainability of CWI, T20 Internationals, One- tournament, the CG CEO said: “ESPN is THE none,” said John Lasker, groundbreaking new five- and this five-year rights Day Internationals and Insurance Super50 Cup, sports channel for Vice President, ESPN year deal with ESPN+ for agreement is just the Test matches within the which is also aired exclu- American households and Digital Media the exclusive media and start of good things to International Cricket sively in the Caribbean by sports fans and we’re de- Programming. “Cricket digital rights in the come.” Council’s (ICC) Future ESPN. lighted that West Indies has always been a United States to all West CWI’s media partner- Tours Programme (FTP). The CG Insurance cricket will now be en- priority for us with Indies international ship with ESPN, North Commencing with the Super50 Cup will be the joyed in the homes and on ESPNcrincinfo leading home matches and re- America’s largest sports all-format Tour of the first live cricket from the the devices of millions of the way as the premier gional tournaments. broadcaster, will bring Caribbean by Sri Lanka West Indies in the part- Americans. We have an destination for cricket CWI President Ricky West Indies cricket to mil- in March, ESPN+ first nership, as the biggest re- ambitious strategic plan coverage and news. Skerritt said: “This is lions of households and year will feature series gional rivalries and world to grow our brand and Adding a strong slate of CWI’s largest ever media viewers across the United against South Africa, class players take the content in North CWI events to ESPN+ is rights agreement in the States through the Australia and Pakistan stage from February 7 to America, and ESPN is the just the latest example USA and is the first of ESPN+ sports streaming in 2021 building to five 27 at the Coolidge Cricket perfect partner to help us of our commitment to several new multi-year service. home series in 2022 in- Ground and the achieve our goals.” cricket and serving fans agreements which we will The ESPN+ partner- cluding tours by England Sir Vivian Richards “Cricket West Indies with the best, most com- confirm in the coming ship will feature live and India. Stadium in Antigua is among the best in prehensive cricket con- weeks. Broadcast media broadcast of every inter- The new agreement http://www.windi- the world and their ICC tent in the US.” 26 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

CWI’s CG Insurance Super50 Cup to feature exciting line-ups ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Sheldon Cottrell (Jamaica Holder (Captain), Joshua Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Scorpions), Hayden Walsh Jr. Bishop, Shamarh Brooks, Wednesday confirmed a host (Leeward Islands Hurricanes), Jonathan Carter,Roston Chase, of top West Indian players Nicholas Pooran (Trinidad and Dominic Drakes, Jonathan who will participate in Tobago Red Force) and Andre Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon February’s CG Insurance Fletcher (Windward Islands Harding, Chemar Holder, Super50 Cup, as all six Volcanoes). Akeem Jordan, Nicholas Kirton, teams finalised their 15- Whilst COVID-19-related Zachary McCaskie, Ashley member squads. The six constraints mean that 2019- Nurse, Tevyn Walcott; Dexter major cricketing rivals will 2020 Champions, the West Toppin (Head Coach) go head-to-head in 19 action- Indies Emerging Players, are packed 50-over matches unable to defend their title, Guyana Jaguars: Leon starting from Sunday, eight of those talented young Johnson (Captain), Shimron February 7. The tournament winners from the 2019 tourna- Hetmyer (Vice-Captain), will come to an exciting ment have found spots in the Christopher Barnwell,Anthony climax when the new competing franchise teams, in- Bramble, Asad Fudadin, West Indies Test captain, Jason Holder, will be in charge of the champions are crowned on cluding Keon Harding, Dominic Chanderpaul Hemraj, Tevin Barbados Pride. Saturday, February 27. Drakes and Justin Greaves Imlach, Keon Joseph, Ramaal Fans can watch the matches (Barbados Pride), Kevin Sinclair Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Leeward Islands Kjorn Ottley, Khary Pierre, live from the Coolidge Cricket (Guyana Jaguars), Ashmead Akshaya Persaud, Kemol Hurricanes: Devon Thomas Nicholas Pooran, Anderson Ground on ESPN Caribbean Nedd (Leeward Islands Savory, Romario Shepherd, (captain), Montcin Hodge (Vice Phillip, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi and matches live from the Sir Hurricanes), Jayden Seales Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith; Captain), Colin Archibald, Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Lendl Vivian Richards Stadium on (Trinidad and Tobago Red Esuan Crandon (Head Coach) Sheno Berridge, Quinton Simmons; David Furlonge CWI’s website and YouTube Force) as well as Kimani Melius Boatswain, Keacy Carty, Nino (Head Coach) channel. and Roland Cato (Windward Jamaica Scorpions: Henry, Amir Jangoo, Nitish West Indies white ball skip- Islands Volcanoes). Rovman Powell (Captain), Kumar, Jeremiah Louis, Windward Islands per, Kieran Pollard, will be at The tournament is expected Derval Green (Vice-Captain), Ashmead Nedd, Kieran Powell, Volcanoes: Sunil Ambris the helm of the Trinidad and to bowl off to an exciting start Fabian Allen, Dennis Bulli, Ross Powell, Hayden Walsh Jr, (Captain),Andre Fletcher (Vice- Tobago Red Force, while Test when home team Leewards Sheldon Cottrell, Javel Glenn, Terance Warde; Stuart Williams Captain), Alick Athanaze, captain Jason Holder will be in Islands Hurricanes host arch Brandon King, Andre (Head Coach) Roland Cato, Keron Cottoy, charge of the Barbados Pride. rivals Windward Islands McCarthy, Jamie Merchant, Kenneth Dember, Larry The cream of West Indies cricket Volcanoes at the picturesque Romaine Morris, Paul Palmer, Trinidad and Tobago Red Edward, Ryan John, Ray and a host of exciting young tal- Coolidge Cricket Ground on Jeavor Royal, Odean Smith, Force: Kieron Pollard Jordan, Desron Maloney, Obed ent will be taking part including Sunday, February 7. Aldaine Thomas, Oshane (Captain), Darren Bravo (Vice- McCoy, Preston McSween, players such as Roston Chase Thomas; Andre Coley (Head Captain), Akeal Hosein, Imran Kimani Melius, Emmanuel (Barbados Pride), Shimron FULL SQUADS Coach) Khan, Evin Lewis, Jason Stewart, Kevin Stoute; Andrew Hetmyer (Guyana Jaguars), Barbados Pride: Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Richardson (Head Coach) Pakistan v South Africa: Kagiso Rabada reaches 200 Test wickets KAGISO RABADA reached 200 the bowling of Yasir. Test wickets but South Africa Having managed only 47 suffered a late mini-collapse on runs in the afternoon session, the third day of the first Test South Africa upped the pace against Pakistan in Karachi. after tea as Aiden Markram The seamer, 25, took the and Rassie van der Dussen wicket of Hasan Ali to become shared a second-wicket part- the third-fastest South African nership of 127. to achieve the milestone. However, the tourists, look- Pakistan posted 378 all out, ing in control at 175-1, then lost a lead of 158, thanks to a last- three wickets for 10 runs. wicket stand of 55 between Leg-spinner Yasir picked up Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali. two more wickets with Van der South Africa ended on 187-4, Dussen caught by Abid Ali at a lead of 29, having lost three silly mid-off for 64, and Faf du late wickets to hand the advan- Plessis trapped lbw for 10. tage back to the hosts. Opener Markram’s fine knock of 74 – which included 10 Rabada reaches milestone boundaries – came to an end before Pakistan’s tail wags when he was dismissed by spin- With Pakistan heading into the ner Nauman, with Abid taking day on 308-8, leading by 88, another simple catch. Rabada removed Hasan’s mid- Maharaj – not out on two – dle stump in the second over of and captain Quinton de Kock – the morning to reach 200 Test yet to score a run – will return wickets from 44 matches. to the middle today as South He became the eighth South Africa look to set a defendable African to achieve the feat, with target. only Dale Steyn (39 Tests) and Allan Donald (42 Tests) doing it SUMMARISED SCORES: in less time. First Test, Karachi (day three Rabada is also the fourth Kagiso Rabada’s strike-rate of 40.8 is the best of any bowler to take 200 or more Test wickets. of five): youngest to take 200 or more Pakistan 378: Alam 109, wickets, behind Pakistan’s an important first-innings lead. finish off the Pakistan innings. finger by seamer Shaheen Faheem 64, Azhar 51; Rabada Waqar Younis and India duo Number 11 Yasir hit four Afridi and looked in discomfort 3-70, Maharaj 3-90 Kapil Dev and Harbhajan boundaries and launched Markram & Van der Dussen as he was given treatment by South Africa 220: Elgar 58; Singh. Keshav Maharaj over long-on fight back before mini-col- the physio. Yasir 3-54 & 187-4; Markram After Rabada’s early break- for six on his way to 38 from lapse Elgar soon fell for 29 to a bril- 74, Van der Dussen 64; Yasir through, Yasir and Nauman 37 balls, before the spinner In reply, South Africa opener liant diving catch from wicket- 3-53 frustrated the tourists to extend trapped Nauman lbw for 24 to Dean Elgar was struck on the keeper Mohammad Rizwan off South Africa lead by 29 runs The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 27

Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea No objections from Olympic partners, manager hopes for unity say Tokyo organisers after Frank Lampard sacking after call with Bach CHELSEA manager the Premier League after TOKYO – Mori also said Bach had Thomas Tuchel hopes spending more than Representatives from the asked Tokyo officials for the club and their £220m during the sum- Tokyo 2020 Olympic or- an update on Japan’s vac- fans will remain mer transfer window. ganising committee told cination roll-out. united after the Tuchel, who won the reporters on Thursday Japan lags behind most sacking of Frank French title twice at PSG there were no doubts or other developed nations, Lampard. before being sacked in objections from its part- with the first vaccinations The former Paris St- December, said it was ners, including the IOC not expected until late Germain boss was ap- an “easy” choice to join and sporting federations, February. pointed after club legend Chelsea. about Japan hosting the Bach has stressed the Lampard, 42, was sacked He becomes their rearranged Games this governing body was not in on Monday. fourth permanent man- year. favour of athletes “jump- Tuchel, 47, took charge ager in under five years Tokyo organisers are ing the queue” for vacci- of Wednesday’s 0-0 draw but when asked if he preparing for the nations ahead of people with Wolves but was offi- feared being sacked at Olympics, which are due under more threat from cially presented to the the club he replied: “Yes to start on July 23, against the virus, but some coun- media on Thursday. and no. a backdrop of dwindling tries, including Australia Asked if he felt fans “When you sign for public support for the and Israel, have started may show anger over Chelsea, you sign for the Games in Japan amidst vaccinating athletes. Lampard’s sacking, the hunger of titles... it does- the coronavirus pan- “President Bach ex- ex-Borussia Dortmund n’t scare me. demic. pressed his hope that manager said: “I hope “The club made it very The organising commit- there will be progress not because it would be clear, Chelsea is about tee’s president Yoshiro with vaccinations in hard on the team.” results. We always try to Mori spoke with Japan and that as many “The fans are so close bring performance, de- International Olympic people as possible, as and behind the team, it velop players, improve Committee President quickly as possible, will be makes a big difference,” players, and increase Thomas Bach on able to get the vaccine,” Tuchel added. their value as well as Thursday and said he had Tokyo 2020 CEO Muto “I know it was a big [produce] strong per- received assurances from said. disappointment for the formances. the German that Tokyo He also told reporters fanbase that Frank was Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel. “In the end, I am very had the full backing of all that organisers were sacked and I have the realistic. I am in a club Olympic stakeholders. running “each and every” biggest respect. I was a and I was handed the who was in charge at whose DNA is to win. I “No one from anywhere simulation, including huge fan of Frank as a opportunity.” Stamford Bridge for am here to challenge for raised questions or objec- scenarios around foreign player. 18 months prior to his every trophy we play tions (over the Olympics) athletes entering and “The club made clear ‘Challenge on all sacking. for. This year it is the and everyone wants to leaving Japan. to me this is not my fronts’ The new manager’s im- Champions League and quickly make the Games “We believe that we can fault, I cannot change Tuchel revealed he had mediate task will be to FA Cup – for the Premier successful,” Mori said, re- hold the event without the situation for him. received a good luck improve the position of a League, it is not realis- laying his conversation considering vaccination as The decision was made message from Lampard, club who are eighth in tic.” with Bach. a pre-requisite,” he said. Athletes want their chance to shine at Tokyo Games TOKYO– While the de- their moment on the pening.” Olympic climbing gold Triathlon Union (ITU) watching,” said Claye. bate over the political, world stage. Recent polls have indi- medal in Tokyo. ran the Hamburg event “It will bring us to- financial and health im- While they have vary- cated dwindling public British champion and and will also be involved gether, as a people world- plications of holding the ing opinions on how the support in Japan, with up fellow climber Coxsey in Tokyo. wide... I think it is going Tokyo Olympics in July Games should proceed, to 80% of those asked say- was more cautious. “It was really good, to be one of the most spe- rages around the world, Claye believes they are ing they want the Games “I am hoping that closed in, it was impossi- cial Olympics, because of triple jump gold medal all united in their desire to be postponed or can- everything will feel safe ble to get in for anyone,” the circumstances.” hopeful Will Claye be- for certainty as they celled, in large part be- and feel right but that is said the half-Ironman lieves a crucial voice is begin their final push to cause of concerns over an something we have to be world record holder. Athlete vaccinations not always being heard – reach peak form in July influx of foreign athletes. ready for and something “So, I think the ITU, if The other major question that of the athlete. and August. However, Claye pointed we have to assess at the they decide to organise is whether all athletes The Games were post- “We have kind of gotten to other sporting events time,” said Coxsey. “That something, it will be safe need to be vaccinated poned last year on safety pushed to the side a little getting underway around is what everyone is and it will be properly against COVID-19 before grounds as the COVID- bit. But you can’t push the world as proof that it geared up towards.” done.” arriving in Japan. 19 pandemic spread the most prolific sporting can be done and Garnbret Whether to allow spec- International Olympic around the world and the event in all of mankind said bringing so many New guidelines tators at the venues is Committee President threat to the health of to the side,” American athletes together from Organisers are set to re- one of the two main ques- Thomas Bach has athletes and the local Claye, who won three around the world would lease a new set of guide- tions facing Tokyo organ- stressed the governing community is still the medals in his two previ- be possible, if it is well lines to athletes next isers as they enter the body was not in favour of major stumbling block ous Games, told Reuters organised. week detailing safety final six months of prepa- athletes “jumping the to the Olympics going from his training camp in Athletes will not be measures. rations for the Games. queue” for vaccines ahead ahead. San Diego. allowed to leave the Norwegian On Thursday, Tokyo of people under more Claye and his fellow “We are seeing a lot of Olympic village other Blummenfelt competed 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto threat from the virus. athletes from the Red fake news coming out – than for training or com- at a World Triathlon said having empty ven- Israel and Australia Bull stable – climbers that the Olympics is hap- petition. Series event held without ues is one of the options have already said they Janja Garnbret and pening, it is not happen- “There is nothing to spectators in Hamburg in being considered al- will vaccinate their ath- Shauna Coxsey, triathlete ing, blah, blah... we just worry about because I September and that gave though organisers hoped letes before Tokyo but Kristian Blummenfelt want the Games to hap- know that everything will him confidence his event to have spectators. there has been strong and rower Kjetil Borch – pen and we just want it to be planned and safe,” said at least could proceed in “Even if people aren’t push back from politi- are among 11,000 aspi- be confirmed and there to Slovenian Garnbret, who Japan. there in the stadium, I cians, doctors and ath- rant Olympians eager for be no doubt that is hap- hopes to bag the first The International know the world will be letes themselves. 28 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE Man Utd ‘disgusted’ at racial abuse sent

TEL 572-1452 to Tuanzebe, Martial Cel: 253-6319 828-4800 Email: MANCHESTER UNITED say they “We know that discriminatory abuse caribbeanpropertiesltd are “disgusted” after Axel Tuanzebe can have significant real world impact @gmail.com and Anthony Martial were racially on the welfare of the victims,” Kick it abused on social media by Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari said. “mindless idiots” after Wednesday’s “We will continue to work with the PROPERTIES loss to Sheffield United. football authorities, law enforcement Kirtons, St Philip Both players started the 2-1 Premier and social media companies to try to rid 3 bedroom plus League defeat at Old Trafford. football of hateful and discriminatory 2 bedroom apt United midfielder Scott McTominay behaviour.” Land 4,790 sq ft $685,000 wrote on social media that he was The Professional Footballers’ “disgusted with what I have read this Association (PFA), the players’ union, Amity Lodge, Ch Ch morning”. has encouraged Tuanzebe and Martial – 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Club captain Harry Maguire added, as well as any other player targeted 1 bedroom apt “United against racism. We will not by racial abuse – to “press charges”. Land 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Bagatelle, St. Thomas tolerate it.” “We want perpetrators to be held ac- Land 6336 sq ft Land 62000 sq ft into 2 lots Former United defender Rio countable for their online behaviour,” Gibbons, Ch Ch $126,000 $520,000 each Ferdinand called it a “disgrace”, adding, the PFA said in a statement. 3 bedroom plus “These ignorant idiots need to be “The accounts of those sending the 2 bedroom apt Cane Garden, St. Thomas Marley Vale, St Philip exposed so everyone can see them for messages must be banned. Their details Land 9,835 sq ft $765,000 Land 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Land 21,780 sq ft what they are.” need to be provided to the appropriate Private entrance. From $275,000 $187,681 In a statement, the club said, authorities to take further action.” Breezy Hill, St Philip “Everyone at Manchester United is 3 bedroom, 2 bath Sandford, St Philip reduced to $298,000 The Mount, St. George Land 16,356 sq ft disgusted by the racial abuse received by What is being done about online Land 6544 sq ft $305,000 players via social media after last night’s abuse? Black Rock, St Michael $110,000 game. On Monday, the UK government held 3 bedroom, 1 bath “We utterly condemn it and it is talks with current and former footballers Land 6732 sq ft Shop Hill, St Thomas COMMERCIAL encouraging to see other fans condemn about tackling discrimination and abuse. $360,000 Land 11,735 sq ft $258,000 Mount Standfast, St James this on social media also. It comes as the government plans to Two properties on “Identifying these anonymous introduce new laws on online abuse Enterprise, Christ Church mindless idiots remains problematic.We in 2021. 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ragged Point, St. Philip 22,714 sq ft Land. Land 5062 sq ft Land 8,267 sq ft Asking $1,200,000 urge social media platforms and regula- In September, Kick It Out revealed $390,000 (reduced) $166,000 tory authorities to strengthen measures there had been a 42% increase in Black Rock, St. Michael to prevent this kind of behaviour.” reports of discrimination in English pro- Golf Club Road, Rolling Hills, St. George Warehouse/Factory Anti-racism charity Kick it Out said fessional football the previous season. Christ Church Land 12,000 sq ft 4000 sf space the continued abuse of players on social Earlier this month, the anti-discrimi- 3 bedroom, 1 bath $315,000 (negotiable) Land 23,861 sq ft $900,000 (reduced) media is “completely unacceptable” and nation charity convened talks between fixer upper reiterated its stance that those respon- key football authorities, policing and Land 4,000 plus Ocean City, St. Philip UNDER OFFER Land 6150 sq ft Foul Bay, St. Philip sible for online hate must face “real-life social media companies to discuss how to $123,000 Approved for condos, consequences”. tackle online abuse in football. The Belle, St George Land 39,242 sq ft Plantation style House Fortesque, St Philip $1,600,000. Standing on 4 acres Agricultural Land UNDER OFFER 494,500 sq ft Dover, Christ Church $1,100,000 Hotel 18 rooms fully Frere Pilgrim, operational $2,950,000 neg Cristiano Ronaldo investigated Christ Church Silver Sands, 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Christ Church Dalkeith, Christ Church two bedroom apartment. Land 7,129 sq ft Land 17,371 sq ft approved for Covid-19 ‘birthday trip’ Land 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 $160,000 for shops and offices $495,000 Hanson Heights, St George Bushy Park, St. Philip JUVENTUS footballer Cristiano or for travelling to a second home. 3 bedroom, 2 baths Land 24,000 sq ft Roebuck Street, Ronaldo is being investigated by Italian Reports in Italian media allege $200,000 Bridgetown Land 8321 sq ft police over a trip he allegedly the pair travelled on Tuesday $595,000 Shopping Mall/Office space Apes Hill, St. James $8,100,000 negotiable took to celebrate his girlfriend’s and stayed overnight in a resort Ealing Grove, Land 31,000 sq ft upward birthday. hotel before returning to Turin, Christ Church Large lots at $15 per sq ft Batts Rock, St Michael He is accused of breaking Covid-19 the home of Ronaldo’s Serie A Club, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Guest House, rules by travelling between the regions on Wednesday. Land 9320 sq ft Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Land 12,078 sq ft of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta. Rodriguez, a model, later shared an $565,000 Land 15,500 sq ft $2,850,000 negotiable Now-deleted footage posted on social image with her 23 million followers of and 22,066 sq ft media showed the couple on a the couple celebrating back at home $300,000 and $220,000 Cane Garden, St Thomas snowmobile in a mountain resort, the with their family. LOTS FOR SALE 3.6 acres approved Union, St. Philip Roadfront land same day Georgina Rodriguez turned If found in breach of the rules, they Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Land 7560 sq ft $1,650,000 negotiable 27. could each face a fine. Land 14,876 sq ft. $150,000 Italy is seeing hundreds of deaths and The controversy comes months $110,000 Fitts Village, St James thousands of infections daily. after Ronaldo himself got Covid-19. Cottage, St George Guest House, 4 Suites The country was hit badly in the early At the time he was criticised Bushy Park, St. Philip Land 5000 sq ft Land 6,135 sq ft stages of the pandemic last year by Italy’s minister for sport $110,000 Land 17,000 sq ft $850,000 negotiable and is now in a political crisis after for travelling to Portugal for interna- $10 sq ft Morningside, St Philip Mason Hill Street The City struggling to bring down cases in tional duty shortly before he tested a second wave. positive. Inchcape, St. Philip Land 4567 sq ft 26,500 sq ft with buildings Land 4355 sq ft $133,000 $4,500,000 negotiable Valle d’Aosta police said they were Vincenzo Spadafora labelled Ronaldo $ 96,000 investigating the couple over the “arrogant” and “disrespectful” and Jupiter Gardens, St Philip All enquiries to alleged trip to the Courmayeur accused him of violating Covid-19 Belle, St. George Land 7312 sq ft (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 ski resort. protocol by leaving his team’s Land 4 acres $133,000 (246) 572 1452 Under current rules in Italy, travel bubble to travel after they $400,000 or (246) 247 4469 between Covid “orange zones” is reported infections. The player denied forbidden unless for work reasons wrongdoing. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 29

30 • Friday January 29, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Tennis star Naomi Osaka buys into North Carolina Courage women’s team THREE-TIME Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has invested in professional women’s football team North Carolina Courage. Formed four years ago, the club compete at the highest level in the US – the National Women’s Soccer League. The 23-year-old, who has not revealed how much of the club she owns, said, “The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today. “I don’t know where I would be without them,” added the Japanese player. “Throughout my career I’ve always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that’s why I am proud to share that I am now an owner of North Carolina Courage.” The North Carolina Courage have enjoyed consistent success since forming in 2017. The team won the National Women’s Soccer League Championship in 2018 and 2019, topping the table and winning the play-offs in both campaigns. Osaka is currently preparing to play in the Australian Open. The world number three won the event in 2019 and also won the US Open in 2018 and 2020. Naomi OsakaOsaka shared pictures of herself in the team’s uniform on Twitter. The Barbados Advocate Friday January 29, 2021 • 31

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). Financial and busi- N ness discussions make you confused and uncertain. D You aren't sure what some people are planning and someone isn't talking a lot of sense to you. Double C check all details and don't hesitate to do more re- O search to find the answers you need if you sense N someone is hiding the truth from you. S TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are up for any challenge you take on. It doesn't matter what you are doing, you are in an ultra-determined frame of mind. Your enthusiasm will be contagious as your friends and colleagues are inspired through just listening to your ideas and joining in with your plans. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're working hard and you are hoping this will have a positive effect Z on your finances. It might be something of a disap- I pointment, therefore, to hear you will have to wait T for some time before seeing the financial reward. S Bills need to be paid and you will be making every effort to keep on top of your financial situation. CANCER (June 22-July 22).Be honest if you're finding it hard to repay money borrowed from a rel- ative. Once you have explained your situation they will understand. Promise that as soon as you are able, you will settle all debts. Equally if a friend or younger relative asks for a loan you cannot afford to give, say no. R LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A team effort is falling E apart. You get the impression the wrong person is X in a leading role. Disagreements are causing prob- lems, delays and postponements. People are getting M tired of the disruption and despite all the acrimony, O a team is having talks and share a determination to R find an agreement. G VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There are some ques- A tions about a strategy that is causing more confusion N than ease. Tension you are facing at home or in the workplace could have adverse effects on your health. This could become far worse if you don't stand up for your ideas. It's important to feel you are getting your voice heard. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). By developing new business tactics you will find it easier to mix with P those above you in your work situation. This may at first mean holding your pride in check but in the H long run, your standing in the workplace will im- A prove. You may even get a raise in salary. N SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A positive boost T will give your love life a lift. Time spent with your O partner will confirm your feelings for each other. If M you are single, a social invitation will be the oppor- tunity you need to get out and use up some of your bubbling high spirits. A long romantic walk will not just be fun but a fantastic way of keeping in trim. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Partnerships of all descriptions are highlighted. Expect to be spend- ing more time in one-to-one relationships than in M groups. You might realise the need to get closer to A a member of your family who has been feeling neg- lected, recently. They may not realise how much R you enjoy their company. Maybe it is time to let Y them know. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You might feel W the only way to go now is upwards. You've been O through many difficulties and challenges and much R hardship. News received early in the day will be a T sign that life is starting to improve. You're ready to H make new starts with just the right balance between optimism and caution to make a good go of what you intend to do. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18).Someone is be- having strangely. It isn't likely to hold you back but M your suspicions have been aroused. Now this has O occurred you will be putting up your defences and T watching very carefully for signs of anything un- H usual. A decision made at the end of the day will E prove lucky for you. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Keep alert to all that is going on in the workplace. Changes being imple- G mented may make you a little nervous. You need to O know where you stand and how this is going to af- O fect your own situation. A cautious approach is rec- S ommended. Be careful about what you say in front E of people you hardly know. Simmons: West Indies have to adapt

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Friday January 29, 2021 SLOW DOWN! PRESIDENT of the Barbados down, she lamented that too many per- working from home and school is being Road Safety Association (BRSA), sons are driving above the speed limit or conducted online, there are still a consid- Sharmane Roland-Bowen, is urging at speeds which are not suitable to the erable amount of vehicles traversing the drivers to slow down on the nation’s road conditions, and putting the lives of island. She said that at this time when highways and byways. themselves and other road users in jeop- there is a high risk of contracting the Moreover, she is making a special ap- ardy.The road safety advocate made the coronavirus because there is community peal to persons to act responsibly and point while noting that speed is said to be spread, she would like to see reduced plan ahead to give themselves sufficient the leading cause of most fatalities and traffic on the road, which she suggested time to get home before the 9 p.m. curfew serious accidents recorded worldwide. could help to ensure there are also fewer that is currently in place. “We need to avoid taking risks, such as accidents occurring. She made the point During a recent interview with The speeding and overtaking vehicles when while stating that those involved in seri- Barbados Advocate, she expressed con- there is oncoming traffic.The fact is that ous accidents often have to seek medical cern that there are too many people speed can drastically affect the severity attention at the Accident and Emergency speeding in an effort to get home on time, of an accident,” she stated. Department, putting added burden on President of the Barbados Road and taking risks that could result in them Meanwhile, the BRSA president also the hospital, which has also been im- Safety Association (BRSA), Sharmane becoming involved in an accident or even took the opportunity to implore drivers to pacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Roland-Bowen. causing others to do so. limit their time on the roads, as the coun- “I want to see the traffic on the road re- “What I would say to drivers is to make try grapples with the recent spike in duced, but if you have to go out, then kill is accidents adding to the burden at the sure you have ample time to get home be- COVID-19 cases. She says where people a hundred birds with one stone rather hospital, and the fact is…there is a level fore the curfew, so that you do not have have to go out, they should exercise the than going out multiple times. I am say- of risk as it relates to COVID that to be rushing. If you plan ahead, then utmost caution when driving to avoid be- ing the safest place is off the road. persons are exposed to, by going to the you would not have to speed,” she main- coming involved in accidents. Nobody goes out there to get into an ac- hospital or any medical facility where tained. Roland-Bowen noted that while there cident, but when it happens where do multiple people could be,” she insisted. Reiterating the call for drivers to slow are a number of individuals currently you have to end up? What we do not want (JRT) Dengue threat: Breeding ground in St. Stephens Hill WITH the recent rainfall, the Black that required hospitalisation. Rock community has several areas overrun with shrubs and bush. Another Dengue can kill challenge being faced by residents in On January 20, 2021, Acting Chief that area is the persistent dumping Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George from passing pedestrians and drivers, disclosed that there was a second who discard their garbage along St. dengue-related death on the island. Stephens Hill road. These two factors The illness can be aggressive and are creating the ideal environment for survivors of the condition often mosquitoes to breed. speak about its harsh impact on the The Barbados Advocate took a look body. behind the guard wall in the area and Recently, The Barbados Advocate discovered bags of domestic trash, used interviewed a young man who lives in disposable masks, food containers, cau- the Black Rock area and he disclosed tion tape, and other articles of waste. All that he had the unfortunate experience of them are a potential breeding ground of contracting dengue twice. He said it for mosquitoes. was “horrible” and the symptoms last This week, the Vector Control Unit of about a week and a half. the Ministry of Health and Wellness The Barbados Advocate understands announced its schedule for fogging this week, one resident in the Golden within the parishes. Early January,the Acre community is currently coping Health Minister Lt. Col Jeffrey D. with the illness. Bostic said that fogging teams were awaiting fogging machines from over- Know the symptoms seas. He also acknowledged that the People with dengue will experience sud- eradication of mosquitoes would be a den high fever, severe headaches, challenge. pain behind the eyes, muscle and Over the years, Barbados has re- joint pain. In the case of Dengue haem- ported many dengue outbreaks. The orrhagic fever, the symptoms are On St.Stephens Hill, piles of garbage including disposable masks have been last outbreak was in 2016, but accord- bleeding from the nose, mouth, and dumped in the bushes. With the recent concern about the increased cases of ing to local media, just last November gums, frequent vomiting, or difficulty dengue, this situation puts residents at risk. there were 38 reported cases of dengue breathing.

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